Jason Burgos
A new report explains why an ongoing problem for the Minnesota Vikings could spell doom for Kyler Murray in 2026.
After an underwhelming sophomore season, the Vikings could not deny they needed to have a secondary option behind young quarterback JJ McCarthy. However, when the Arizona Cardinals decided to cut two-time Pro Bowler Kyler Murray, Minnesota was given the option to get a player who could do far more than just compete with McCarthy for the starting job.
Since signing, there has been a lot of talk among NFL pundits that Murray could return to his Pro Bowl form under head coach Kevin O’Connell and lead the Vikings to the Super Bowl next season. However, a new report from The Athletic’s Jacob Robinson poured ice water on those grand hopes.
In a Thursday newsletter, the football analyst pointed out that, in general, the Vikings’ offensive line has underperformed the last couple of seasons, and they have had a particular weakness in the interior. That is bad news for Murray, a QB who is among the shortest in the league.
“Interior pressure wreaks havoc on undersized quarterbacks like the 5-foot-10 Murray,” Robinson writes. “Shorter passers need extra space to see over their linemen and good throwing lanes to get the ball out. It’s why the Panthers invested heavily in the interior for Bryce Young, just as the Saints did with Drew Brees.”
Minnesota Vikings offensive line can be much better in 2026
The interior concerns with a short QB are a good reason to believe Murray’s first season in Minnesota could go badly. Especially since he has dealt with injuries the last few years and hasn’t looked like a Pro Bowler in a while.
However, Robinson didn’t bring just bad news and offered legitimate hope. First, he pointed out that “Injuries decimated [the offensive line] last season, resulting in 26 different combinations.” Furthermore, they have a new coach in Keith Carter, and there is notable talent on the O-line.
“Left tackle Christian Darrisaw and guard Donovan Jackson were first-round picks. On the right are highly paid guard Will Fries and tackle Brian O’Neill,” Robinson wrote. He also added that Murray’s ability to extend plays because of his athleticism is something recent Vikings QBs have lacked.
