Kyler Murray signed with the Minnesota Vikings with the likely intention of winning the starting QB job over J.J. McCarthy and Carson Wentz. Murray was cut by the Arizona Cardinals this offseason and should have the motivation to prove he’s still an NFL starting QB.
Last season in Arizona, Murray posted a 72.2 overall PFF grade, ranking 22nd among 43 qualified quarterbacks. His 69.5 passing grade also placed him 22nd at the position.
Murray’s 2025 season was cut short by injury, resulting in only 195 dropbacks during which he threw for 962 yards, six touchdowns, and three interceptions. Moreover, he recorded four big-time throws and had three turnover-worthy plays.
On the ground, Murray added 145 scramble yards and one rushing touchdown, earning a 71.4 rushing grade. As a result, Murray is looking for a bounce-back season with head coach Kevin O’Connell, and ESPN NFL analyst Peter Schrager has a positive outlook for the former No. 1 pick.
“I would think that Kyler Murray comes in there and he’s looking to set the world on fire and rebuild his career and J.J. McCarthy knows exactly what awaits him,” Schrager said on the April 21 edition of “Get Up.”
“Now, J.J. McCarthy might have struggled at points last year, but he also finished the season with some wins and some positivity. I think Kevin O’Connell’s going to say, ‘Let the best man win.’ But I would imagine Kyler Murray’s not going there to be a backup, and he has full confidence that he can outdo J.J. McCarthy in that room.”
Vikings’ Justin Jefferson Talks Kyler Murray Signing
With a QB battle looming for the Vikings, wideout Justin Jefferson spoke with the media on April 20 and shared his thoughts on Murray joining the team.
“My first reaction was just, it’s really good to get some talent in the room, to give a little spark in that room, to see a competitive edge and for those guys to really lock in and do what we’re expecting them to do, which is to come in and be that guy,” Jefferson said.
“We need that one guy for this team. So I’m definitely excited for that room, excited to see what those guys have in store for us in training camp.”
J.J. McCarthy to Benefit From QB Battle With Kyler Murray
Moreover, Jefferson noted that he’s excited to see the ex-Cardinals star play and display the traits that make him an impressive talent. Still, the wideout also highlighted that it will benefit McCarthy to lock in and know he has major competition if he wants to win the starting job for Week 1.
“I’m definitely looking for those big, exciting plays,” Jefferson added. “I’m looking forward to his speed, his quickness and his arm strength, which he has shown countless times over the years. For J.J., for somebody to enter that room with that type of ability and talent, he has to step it up a little bit.
“It is good for him to feel that type of pressure and really lock in and say it is either now or I’m going to take that back seat again; it is all about a competitive mindset in these types of situations. It comes down to who is ready for that moment and who is ready to step up and take that initiative.”
Kyler Murray Gets Strong Outlook Before Vikings QB Battle