Vikings Weigh Kyler Murray as Potential Upgrade Over QB J.J. McCarthy

ESPN's Field Yates says Murray could be a "low-risk maneuver" for Minnesota despite stylistic differences with coach Kevin O'Connell.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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The Minnesota Vikings are considering making a move for Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray this offseason, as they look to upgrade their quarterback depth behind starter J.J. McCarthy. While Murray's playing style may not be the ideal fit for Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell, ESPN's Field Yates believes Murray would still represent a significant upgrade over McCarthy based on his proven NFL production.

Why it matters

The Vikings are looking to build on their playoff appearance last season and believe they need to improve the quarterback position to compete with the top teams in the NFC. Bringing in Murray could provide them with a high-upside option, but it would also come with questions about his fit in O'Connell's offense.

The details

According to reports, the Cardinals could cut ties with Murray if they can't find a trade partner for the former No. 1 overall pick. The Vikings are in need of a reliable backup quarterback, and Yates believes Murray, despite his stylistic differences from O'Connell's preferred QB archetype, would still represent an upgrade over McCarthy. However, any potential move for Murray would likely depend on the financial terms and whether he's willing to take a "prove-it" type of deal in Minnesota.

  • The Vikings' interest in Murray has been a topic of speculation this offseason.

The players

Kyler Murray

The Arizona Cardinals' starting quarterback, who is facing an uncertain future with the team as they weigh their options this offseason.

J.J. McCarthy

The Minnesota Vikings' current starting quarterback, who is facing potential competition for the job if the team pursues an upgrade at the position.

Kevin O'Connell

The head coach of the Minnesota Vikings, who will have a say in the team's quarterback decisions this offseason.

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What they’re saying

“Stylistically, Kyler is very different than most people. It's the acknowledgement that you have an excellent quarterback tutor in Kevin O'Connell. You have a team that does not want to have another year where the quarterback play is the anchor that holds them down from competing for the playoffs.”

— Field Yates, ESPN Analyst (The Mina Kimes Show featuring Lenny)

“While Kyler is not the archetype that Kevin O'Connell has thrived with in recent years, I do think he is an upgrade over J.J. McCarthy based on what we know right now. I think that this could be a reasonably low-risk maneuver for Minnesota because it's basically a one-year flyer.”

— Field Yates, ESPN Analyst (The Mina Kimes Show featuring Lenny)

What’s next

The Vikings' pursuit of Kyler Murray will likely depend on whether the Cardinals can find a trade partner for the quarterback or decide to release him outright. If Murray becomes available, the Vikings will have to weigh the potential benefits of adding his talent against the concerns about his fit in their offense.

The takeaway

The Vikings' quarterback situation remains a key question mark heading into the offseason, and the team's willingness to consider a high-profile but potentially risky addition like Kyler Murray shows their desire to upgrade the position and compete at the highest level in the NFC.