The Minnesota Vikings signed QB Kyler Murray earlier this off-season to a veteran minimum deal.
The agreement serves as a true insurance policy for Kevin O’Connell and his job security for 2026 and beyond. They knew they couldn’t just give J.J. McCarthy the keys this season after what happened in 2025. It was a year of injuries and incredibly inconsistent play, and Minnesota can’t bank on that to win games now.
Not only does Murray provide insurance, he also arguably provides a much higher upside for a Minnesota offense needing stability.
It is assumed that Kyler Murray would win a QB competition with J.J. McCarthy. The main question about that, is whether that is a good thing or a bad thing.
Vikings Season May Fall on Shoulders of QB Kyler Murray
GettyKyler Murray #1 of the Arizona Cardinals warms up before the NFL Preseason 2025 game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High on August 16, 2025 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)
Tyler Sullivan of CBS Sports shared how the Vikings’ season could fall completely on the shoulders of QB Kyler Murray.
“The success or failure of this offseason will fall on the shoulders of Kyler Murray. If Minnesota can tap into Murray’s talent and get slightly above-average quarterback play, it might pick up right where it left off in 2024 when Sam Darnold was under center.
However, that’s easier said than done, as Murray hasn’t been the most durable player during his career, missing 30 of a possible 68 games over the past five seasons. There’s a high ceiling with the addition of Murray, who is likely to win the quarterback battle against J.J. McCarthy, but a low floor as well.”
Of course, the season needs to play out for the Vikings, but it’s hard not to imagine the possibilities with Murray. Yes, he has shown flashes of elite play, but he is yet to win a playoff game. The ceiling may be high with Murray, but it is justifiable for the floor to feel very low as well.
Minnesota Selects OT Jordan Seaton in Way-Too-Early 2027 Mock Draft
GettyFRISCO, TEXAS – JULY 09: Offensive lineman Jordan Seaton of the Colorado Buffaloes speaks with the media during the Big 12 Media Days at The Ford Center at The Star on July 09, 2025 in Frisco, Texas. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
CBS Sports explained the decision of Seaton to Minnesota at a projected 12th overall in a way-too-early 2027 mock draft.
“Armed with 22 career starts, Seaton will play his next season under Lane Kiffin in Baton Rouge after transferring from Colorado. A highly skilled, athletic offensive tackle, some evaluators believe he could ultimately transition to the right side to ease his move to Sundays. While the talent is evident, he remains far from a finished product.”
The 6-foot-5, 307lb Jordan Seaton could be an option for the future of the Vikings’ offensive line. He is a natural left tackle, so he would be a great contingency plan if Darrisaw can’t work through his injury woes. Either way, Seaton could have the flexibility to play RT as well.
Vikings’ Kyler Murray Gets Blunt Honesty About 2026 Season