OTAs are right around the corner for the Minnesota Vikings, as that begins on May 26. Moreover, once that gets underway and continues throughout the entire offseason, heading into training camp and the preseason, the focus will be on the QB battle.
Heading into the competition, former Arizona Cardinals QB Kyler Murray is the clear favorite to come out on top. Nonetheless, questions remain about Murray despite many seeing him as the favorite.
During a May 4 appearance on KFAN, former Vikings linebacker Ben Leber shared that the biggest storyline once OTAs and mandatory minicamp start will be Murray grasping the offense of head coach Kevin O’Connell.
“Kyler Murray’s development and how he adapts to the offense will be the main focus,” Leber said. “The key question is how he balances what he does best with what the offense has shown at its best. Another storyline will be how many snaps he takes under center versus operating out of shotgun, and whether the system shifts more toward a shotgun-based approach.
“The running game, with Murray at the helm, will also be a factor in how the offense takes shape. In OTAs, attention will also be on who he targets at receiver, including how often he looks to Justin Jefferson. It will be worth watching whether the offense leans more toward deep shots or a quicker passing game, and how all of that ultimately comes together.”
Kyler Murray Gets Major Outlook Ahead of Vikings QB Battle
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.”
Justin Jefferson on Minnesota Signing Kyler Murray
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.”
Vikings QB Kyler Murray Gets Strong Statement Before OTAs