The Minnesota Vikings have often been described as a player-friendly organization, especially for quarterbacks, thanks to Kevin O’Connell’s presence as head coach. J.J. McCarthy has been working closely with the coach, trying to maximize his potential as the team’s 2024 first-round pick.
Soon enough, KOC could wind up working with another reclamation project, much like he did with Sam Darnold and Daniel Jones. With McCarthy improving, but not yet completely proven as a franchise quarterback, the Vikings will surely bring in some form of competition to their QB room this offseason.
Could it even be former No. 1 overall pick Kyler Murray, who seems to have played his last snap with the Arizona Cardinals? Recently, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler suggested that the Vikings would be an “ideal landing spot” for Murray this offseason.
“Does a safe landing spot exist for Murray? Working with, say, Kevin O’Connell in Minnesota would be ideal, but J.J. McCarthy has shown improvement over the past two weeks. The Raiders and Jets are among teams that appear to be in transition at quarterback. Whether a team takes a chance on Murray’s maligned career — and gives up draft capital and financial resources to do it — remains to be seen.”
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler on Kyler Murray/Minnesota Vikings
Of course, with McCarthy continuing to improve, the Vikings may determine that a player of Murray’s caliber, who’s a two-time Pro Bowler, is too good to be McCarthy’s backup.
Just as they did last offseason, the Vikings may try finding a less-proven QB who doesn’t threaten their starter’s job so much. That process resulted in trading for Sam Howell, eventually signing Carson Wentz, and taking a chance on undrafted rookie Max Brosmer.
Yet, if Murray just wants to take a season where he can reset his mechanics and learn from one of the best quarterback tutors in the game, he just might be particularly attracted to Minnesota.
Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and T.J. Hockenson’s presence surely won’t hurt either. After all, if Darnold and Daniel Jones once viewed the Vikings as a prime landing spot, then perhaps Murray or another accomplished QB will too.
Related: 2025 NFL QB Rankings: Where Does J.J. McCarthy Rank?
