Vikings Legend Kyle Rudolph Weighs in on Kyler Murray Signing

Rudolph believes Murray could revive his career in Minnesota, but says the Vikings still have questions at QB.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 1:08pm

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Former Vikings tight end Kyle Rudolph shared his thoughts on the team's decision to sign quarterback Kyler Murray to a one-year, $1.3 million contract. Rudolph believes Murray has a chance to become the franchise quarterback, but said it will depend on whether the team views current starter J.J. Watt as their long-term solution. Rudolph also praised the Vikings' offseason moves, particularly their ability to create $70 million in cap space, and said the upcoming draft will be crucial for the team's future.

Why it matters

The Vikings' quarterback situation has been a major question mark, and Rudolph's comments add intrigue to how the team plans to handle the position. If Murray can revive his career in Minnesota, it could provide a long-term solution at QB and help the team capitalize on its talented roster.

The details

Rudolph told Forbes that the Murray signing could be similar to the Vikings' previous project with quarterback Sam Darnold, who they brought in on a short-term deal two years ago before he left for the Seahawks and won a Super Bowl. Rudolph said the Vikings will likely give Murray the starting job this summer, even if they claim it's an open competition, as they crave a long-term franchise QB. Rudolph was also impressed with the Vikings' ability to create $70 million in cap space this offseason, crediting interim GM Rob Brzezinski for his "genius" in managing the team's finances.

  • The Vikings signed Kyler Murray to a one-year, $1.3 million contract three weeks ago.
  • Rudolph spoke with Forbes about the Vikings' QB situation this week.

The players

Kyler Murray

A quarterback who the Vikings signed to a one-year, $1.3 million contract three weeks ago, with the hope that he can revive his career and potentially become the team's long-term solution at the position.

J.J. Watt

The Vikings' current starting quarterback, whose future with the team is uncertain as the team evaluates its options at the position.

Sam Darnold

A quarterback the Vikings previously brought in on a short-term deal two years ago, before he left for the Seahawks and won a Super Bowl.

Rob Brzezinski

The Vikings' interim general manager who Rudolph praised for his ability to create $70 million in cap space this offseason through his "genius" in managing the team's finances.

Kyle Rudolph

A former Vikings tight end who provided his thoughts on the team's quarterback situation and offseason moves.

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What they’re saying

“I think it kind of depends on what they are looking to do. Ultimately, doing the Sam Darnold coming to Minnesota to maybe revive a stalled career, because you still believe that if someone comes and beats out J.J., there is still an opportunity for J.J. to be your franchise quarterback.”

— Kyle Rudolph, Former Vikings Tight End

“I've said it this whole offseason, I think the Vikings go with a veteran, he either makes J.J. better and that's great for the organization, or he beats him out and you have a better quarterback with a very talented roster. That's better for the organization as well.”

— Kyle Rudolph, Former Vikings Tight End

“However many hours into free agency, the most impressive thing the Vikings did is pretty much go from $45 million over the cap to I believe the last report I saw was about $30 million of cap space. That's almost a $70 million cap swing, which is 100% Rob Brzezinski and the genius that he is as the interim general manager that they named to run things through free agency in the draft this year.”

— Kyle Rudolph, Former Vikings Tight End

What’s next

The Vikings will give Kyler Murray the starting quarterback job this summer, even if they claim it's an open competition, as they look to find a long-term solution at the position.

The takeaway

The Vikings' quarterback situation remains a key question mark, but the signing of Kyler Murray provides an opportunity for the team to potentially find a long-term solution at the position. Rudolph's comments suggest the team is open to giving Murray a chance to revive his career, while also keeping the door open for current starter J.J. Watt. The upcoming draft will be crucial for the Vikings as they look to build a younger, deeper roster to support whichever quarterback emerges as the long-term answer.