Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray stands on the sideline throughout pregame ceremonies earlier than a matchup with the Atlanta Falcons at State Farm Stadium. Murray had just lately returned from damage and was getting ready for the subsequent chapter of his profession in Arizona. Captured on Nov. 12, 2023, the picture displays a pivotal second in his comeback season. Obligatory Credit score: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports activities.
Final 12 months, the NFL media and fan neighborhood debated whether or not quarterback Kyler Murray had been “softly benched” in Arizona, a principle that felt vindicated when the Cardinals launched him in March. Quick ahead to June 2026, and Bleacher Report claims Murray could possibly be benched once more this season, this time courtesy of the Minnesota Vikings.
BR’s Kristopher Knox printed a listing of essentially the most benchable quarterbacks this 12 months, and sadly, Murray made the reduce.
Not Everybody Is Offered on the Vikings’ QB1 Answer
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray celebrates after scoring a speeding landing throughout a house sport towards the Los Angeles Chargers at State Farm Stadium. Murray’s mobility remained a central a part of Arizona’s offensive id and playmaking means. Captured on Oct. 21, 2024, the second highlights one of many quarterback’s trademark strengths in open area. Obligatory Credit score: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Photos.
BR: Murray May Be Benched
On a listing that included gamers like Jacoby Brissett and Geno Smith, Murray obtained benchable therapy. Knox wrote, “According to ESPN’s Kevin Seifert, Murray currently leads the competition, and the gap between the quarterbacks is ‘not close.’ Murray is a dynamic dual-threat and was a Pro Bowler early in his career with Arizona.”
“He should give Minnesota a boost at quarterback this season, and at 28 years old, he could potentially become a long-term answer for Minnesota. However, there’s no guarantee that Murray will do either of those things. He never showed consistency as a passer with the Cardinals — the offense was more effective with Brissett behind center last season — and he has never delivered a playoff win.”
Whereas Murray has by no means notched a triumph within the postseason, the Vikings haven’t gained a playoff sport since 2019.
“It’s easy to think that Murray will be better under Kevin O’Connell and with weapons like Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison at his disposal,” Knox continued.
“If he isn’t, though, Minnesota may eventually give McCarthy another chance to redeem himself. McCarthy, after all, is only two years into his rookie contract, while Murray is only signed through this season.”
Effectively … Insert for McCarthy for a Sequel
It’s solely conceivable that McCarthy may enter, stabilize the offense, and completely safe the beginning place.
Moreover, he nonetheless has ample time. First-round quarterbacks are eligible for a fifth-year choice, and McCarthy will solely be 23 this season. If he excels by 2028, Minnesota can train that choice, sustaining its long-term technique. It’s one of many distinct benefits of getting each Murray and McCarthy: the Vikings achieve a right away improve whereas preserving McCarthy’s potential for a further three years.
The only real cause for a commerce can be if McCarthy himself demanded one. Ought to he need to depart, Minnesota would face a choice. Till then, exercising endurance stays essentially the most prudent plan of action.
In brief, if Murray will get benched per the BR hypothesis, properly, the Vikings deliberate for this, and his identify is J.J. McCarthy.
The Murray Worth Is Nonetheless Value It
Murray arrived in Minnesota with a $1.3 million price ticket. That’s absurdly inexpensive. The truth is, each crew within the NFL ought to’ve jumped on Murray’s availability, together with groups with elite quarterbacks, just like the Buffalo Payments and Kansas Metropolis Chiefs, solely as a result of the worth was simply so great.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray warms up earlier than a matchup with the Los Angeles Chargers at State Farm Stadium. Murray entered the competition as one of many league’s most dynamic dual-threat quarterbacks, able to extending performs together with his arm and legs. Photographed on Nov. 27, 2022, the picture captures his pregame preparation. Obligatory Credit score: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports activities.
Think about this: if Murray flames out in Minnesota or will get harm this summer season, including him for $1.3 million was nonetheless definitely worth the gamble.
In case you consider in sports activities hacks, that is the grandaddy — acquiring Murray for the veteran minimal. The worth will get no higher.
Two Different Ex-Vikings on the BR Record
Daniel Jones, who stopped by the Vikings in 2024, additionally made Knox’s record: “Jones, who was recently cleared for 7-on-7 work, will need to replicate his 2025 success. If he can’t, the Colts may try to salvage the season with Richardson — if he’s still on the roster — or Riley Leonard, while keeping an eye on that 2027 QB class. Unfortunately, playing well on a year-to-year basis wasn’t something Jones did during his six seasons with the New York Giants.”
So did Kirk Cousins, who quarterbacked the Vikings from 2018 to 2023, although a benchable Cousins is to be anticipated after the Las Vegas Raiders drafted Fernando Mendoza in April.
“Let’s not forget that the Falcons went 5-3 with Cousins as the starter last year and might well have won the NFC South if it had leaned on him all season. If Las Vegas is a surprise playoff team with Cousins at the helm, hold off on passing the proverbial torch,” Knox opined about Cousins.
Quarterback Kirk Cousins speaks with reporters after signing with the Las Vegas Raiders and reuniting with head coach Klint Kubiak. Cousins mentioned his transition to a brand new crew, offensive expectations, and relationships with teammates. Captured on Apr. 6, 2026, the media session marked an vital step in his newest NFL chapter. Obligatory Credit score: YouTube.
“If the Raiders aren’t in a position to make a run, however, they’ll turn things over to Mendoza once they feel he is prepared to start. As Gagnon put it, the reigning Heisman winner and national champion is “the long-term dude” for Las Vegas.”
Murray will flip 29 in August, and if BR has it incorrect about his benchability, he may latch on because the Vikings’ QB1 for the subsequent half-decade-plus.
Dustin Baker is a novelist and political scientist. His second novel, The Invaders , is out now. So is … Extra about Dustin Baker
