Overview
- Minnesota added Kyler Murray on a one-year, low-cost deal after Arizona cut ties, setting up an open contest with J.J. McCarthy and veteran Carson Wentz under coach Kevin O’Connell.
- Hall of Famer Cris Carter said he expects Murray to start Week 1, reinforcing the early view that the former No. 1 pick is the favorite.
- Former Viking Ben Leber questioned Murray’s fit in O’Connell’s under-center scheme, and ex-teammate A.Q. Shipley urged him to be more vocal in the huddle and command the offense.
- Analysts have floated a summer trade for McCarthy if he loses the job, yet reporter Darren Wolfson said the Vikings are unlikely to move him because Murray’s injury history makes quarterback depth essential.
- Availability is a central worry after reports that McCarthy has missed 24 of 34 games and Murray has also lost time to injuries, which led Bleacher Report to rank Minnesota’s quarterback room near the bottom of the league.