The Minnesota Vikings signed free agent quarterback Kyler to a one-year league minimum contract this season. There were rumors that Murray would move to the Vikings once he was released by the Cardinals, and that deal was finalized today.
Since Murray is still owed $36.8 million by the Cardinals, Minnesota could sign him to a veteran league minimum contract. This is because his salary will go to Arizona, which is under the cap.
I think this is a match made in heaven. The Vikings can go into next season as a serious playoff contender with Murray and have JJ McCarthy follow in Murray’s footsteps and continue to develop. It was very clear last year that McCarthy was not an NFL-caliber play-caller. Maybe McCarthy lacked confidence coming back from injury, maybe he wasn’t ready to be a starter, and most importantly, maybe he wasn’t an NFL-caliber prospect.
Kyler himself isn’t a perfect NFL player, but I think he can prove to be an above-average starter in a Kevin O’Connell-led offense, and that’s all the Vikings need. Minnesota batted around .500 last season due to some of the league’s worst quarterback play from McCarthy, Carson Wentz and Max Brosmer. Heck, McCarthy and Brosmer may have been worse than the two starting quarterbacks Cleveland has been throwing at for most of the season.
Defensive coordinator Brian Flores will be happy to have a quarterback who can keep his elite defense in better field position. But Murray should be able to do more than that. He will be paired with two pass catchers in Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison. Those two might be the best players he could take on at the college level.
When it comes to Murray, his athleticism has always been important, it’s what made him great, and that was the biggest need for the Vikings. Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason aren’t the best backfield combination, so having Murray’s ability to stretch the defense and move the clock will be invaluable for Minnesota.
O’Connell was one of the NFL’s best quarterback whisperers. He’s been able to revitalize Sam Darnold’s career and consistently get the most out of Kirk Cousins. Murray isn’t the type of traditional pocket passer that O’Connell has had success with, so it will be interesting to see how he can plan plays to utilize his athleticism. The NFC North will once again be one of the better divisions in sports, but if Murray can be a solid pickup, the Vikings should have a chance to be the “Kings of the North” once again.
