Overview
- Reporting in late June shows Kyler Murray has become the public favorite to win the Vikings’ starting job after signing a one‑year, veteran‑minimum deal in March.
- Multiple outlets and pundits have begun calling Murray a dark‑horse MVP candidate based on Minnesota’s strong receiving corps and offensive line creating a stat‑friendly setting.
- Insiders from The Athletic and Bleacher Report say Murray has “looked uncomfortable at times” learning O’Connell’s full playbook as reps were split with 2024 first‑round pick J.J. McCarthy.
- Murray’s injury history remains a concrete concern because he has missed roughly 26% of games since 2019, a factor that would hurt both team planning and any MVP case.
- If McCarthy loses the competition, analysts expect the Vikings to consider trade or roster moves for the rookie, with proposals already circulating that would recoup late draft picks.