CBS Sports activities Throws Chilly Water on Vikings QBs

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray appears towards the sphere because the second quarter winds down throughout a highway matchup in opposition to the Jacksonville Jaguars, taking within the second on Sep 26, 2021, in Jacksonville, Florida, as Arizona maintained management in an early-season contest at TIAA Financial institution Area. Obligatory Credit score: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports activities.

CBS Sports activities stepped as much as the plate this week, rating the NFL’s very worst quarterback rooms heading into 2026, and the Minnesota Vikings checked in at No. 8. Sure — which means eighth-worst.

Kyler Murray brings actual change to Minnesota, however nationwide skepticism concerning the place has not disappeared.

The Cleveland Browns took the cake — in a foul manner — per Garrett Podell, however Minnesota wasn’t far off.

Murray Has the Finest Probability to Change the Dialog

Do you contemplate the Vikings’ quarterback room a poor setup?

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray dives throughout the aim line for a landing throughout first-half motion in opposition to the Los Angeles Chargers, ending the play on Nov 27, 2022, in Glendale, Arizona, as he showcased his mobility and scoring potential at State Farm Stadium in an AFC-NFC matchup. Obligatory Credit score: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports activities.

CBS Sports activities: Vikings Have League’s Eighth-Worst QB Room

Vikings followers stay on cloud 9 over the membership snatching Murray from free company for $1.3 million, however that enthusiasm is evidently reserved for the workforce’s devoted.

Calling Minnesota’s quarterback state of affairs the NFL’s eight-worst, Podell opined, “One would think the Minnesota Vikings’ signing of two-time Pro Bowl quarterback Kyler Murray would keep them off this list, but that’s not the case. Murray earned his Pro Bowl selections in 2020 and 2021. That’s a lifetime ago in NFL years. From 2022 to 2025, Murray missed 30 of his possible 68 games.”

“In the five games Murray played for the Cardinals in 2025, he averaged a career low 227.0 total yards per game. Recent first-round pick J.J. McCarthy was the worst quarterback in the NFL in 2025, which sparked the signing of Murray. McCarthy’s performance was simply incredible considering the offensive ecosystem under 2024 Coach of the Year Kevin O’Connell.”

Some have argued that Minnesota has the very best of each worlds: a confirmed commodity in Murray and a still-developing McCarthy. Podell isn’t shopping for it.

He continued, “Despite an electrifying supporting cast, McCarthy ranked dead last in the league in completion percentage (57.6%), touchdown-to-interception ratio (11-12), and passer rating (72.6). Murray could rediscover his early career form with Minnesota.”

“Murray is one of just four players in NFL history with 20,000-plus passing yards (20,460) and 30-plus rushing touchdowns (32) through his first seven seasons, joining Josh Allen, Cam Newton and Lamar Jackson. Week 1 starter: Kyler Murray.”

One Battle after One other

CBS Sports activities‘ reaction was unequivocal: the Vikings’ quarterback dilemma persists. This prevailing sentiment explains why Murray’s signing was met with a nationwide shrug.

To know their present state of affairs, contemplate their latest historical past. Six years of Kirk Cousins sharply divided the fan base. Sam Darnold and McCarthy adopted. Darnold initially surged earlier than faltering on the worst potential second(s) in 2024, later departing to win a Tremendous Bowl in Seattle. McCarthy, in the meantime, misplaced his rookie yr to a torn meniscus and has but to determine himself as a starter, elevating lingering sturdiness considerations.

In response, Minnesota pivoted, signing Murray for $1.3 million.

From an outdoor perspective, nevertheless, the conclusion stays unchanged: uncertainty, skepticism, and a quarterback room that’s the league’s eighth-worst.

Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy shares a postgame second with Detroit Lions extensive receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, embracing after the ultimate whistle on Nov 2, 2025, in Detroit, Michigan, as gamers linked on the sphere at Ford Area following a hard-fought divisional matchup. Obligatory Credit score: David Reginek-Imagn Photographs.

And that is all on high of NFL.com’s rating the Vikings because the NFL’s fifth-worst workforce after the draft and Bleacher Report calling Minnesota’s draft class “baffling.” All over the place you flip, there’s one thing that anyone doesn’t like concerning the 2026 Vikings.

Murray’s Potential

In Minnesota, Murray doesn’t have to avoid wasting the operation. He has to distribute the rattling ball, keep environment friendly, and belief O’Connell’s system. The offensive match is obvious. Murray’s typical 17-game tempo — round 4,000 passing yards, 30 touchdowns, and 600 dashing yards — mixed with a profession completion proportion close to the highest of NFL historical past, makes his skillset extremely simple to check inside an offense that includes Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, T.J. Hockenson, Jordan Mason, and Aaron Jones.

Equally necessary is the defensive facet of the ball. Brian Flores remodeled the Vikings’ identification upon his arrival, main them to rank second in defensive EPA per play from 2023 to 2025.

It means Murray is buying and selling Arizona’s Thirtieth-ranked protection from that very same interval for one of many NFL’s most dependable models — a really large way of life change for any quarterback.

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray stands on the sphere throughout pregame warmups, taking within the environment earlier than kickoff on Dec 15, 2019, in Glendale, Arizona, as he ready for a matchup in opposition to the Cleveland Browns at State Farm Stadium early in his NFL profession. Obligatory Credit score: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports activities.

Whereas the Cardinals definitely had offensive weapons, the Vikings supply a superior arsenal: Jefferson, Addison, Hockenson, and an offensive playcaller adept at creating open targets. Murray wouldn’t have to conjure magic each Sunday; as a substitute, he would thrive with rhythm and competent play.

Beginning Over if Every thing Fails to Launch

It’s most likely extra seemingly that Murray simply clicks with O’Connell, creating conversations subsequent offseason concerning the worth of Murray’s extension, but when every little thing turns rotten, there’s no higher time in quarterback-speak than 2027 to reset with a brand new throw on the dartboard.

Dustin Baker is a novelist and political scientist. His second novel, The Invaders , is out now. So is … Extra about Dustin Baker