Jan 4, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings broad receiver Justin Jefferson (18) celebrates after a play in entrance of Inexperienced Bay Packers security Evan Williams (33) throughout the second quarter at U.S. Financial institution Stadium. Obligatory Credit score: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Photos.
Within the closing sport of the 2025 season, the Minnesota Vikings had nothing left to play for, apart from getting star wideout Justin Jefferson to 1,000 receiving yards, a feat that must be a given for a participant of his prominence. It must be famous that he reached that benchmark in 2023 regardless of enjoying in solely ten video games.
That ridiculous truth alone was purpose sufficient for the Vikings to judge the market and search for a passer who can feed the membership’s finest participant. They assume they discovered one in Kyler Murray, the previous first general draft alternative, who’s set to compete with final yr’s QB1 J.J. McCarthy for the beginning job.
Considered the clear favourite, Murray has satisfied Jefferson within the few observe classes.
Dec 21, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Minnesota Vikings broad receiver Justin Jefferson (18) makes a catch in opposition to the New York Giants throughout the first half at MetLife Stadium. Obligatory Credit score: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Photos
The receiver joined Paul Allen for a chat on Monday and revealed, “I would say he understands the game. He understands the defenses. He understands just how to put touch on the ball, just enough to where it gets to where its got to go without making it difficult for us. So, he understands the game a lot more because he’s been in the game for a couple years now. So, he throws the ball before you even get out of the break.”
All of that appears like one thing all NFL quarterbacks ought to be capable of do, however final yr’s aerial assault within the Twin Cities confirmed in any other case. McCarthy couldn’t throw contact passes and his ball placement was definitely subpar. Each of these issues, to an extent, prevented Vikings followers from assessing facets similar to his capability to learn defenses or decision-making, that are widespread difficulties for younger signal-callers.
All of the reporters watching OTAs have the identical take: Murray is the clear favourite to take the primary snap in Week 1 and it’s exhibiting on the observe discipline.
The veteran has the expertise McCarthy clearly lacks, having began 87 video games and thrown almost 3,000 passes within the NFL. He has 121 passing scores and over 20,000 yards on his NFL resume.
Murray was an MVP candidate early in his profession, however his play has dropped off since. Accidents have undoubtedly performed a task in his decline, as he missed the tip of the 2022 season in addition to the primary half of the 2023 season attributable to a torn ACL. After a full season in 2024, a foot damage (and Arizona’s draft place) prevented him from enjoying greater than 5 video games final yr.
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kyler Murray participates in organized group actions on Might 27, 2026, on the TCO Efficiency Middle in Eagan, Minnesota. Murray took half in offseason drills and group durations as Minnesota continued putting in its offense and evaluating personnel forward of coaching camp whereas constructing chemistry all through the quarterback room and receiving corps. Obligatory Credit score: YouTube.
If he can repeat that one 17-game marketing campaign from 2024, the Vikings are in fine condition. The previous Heisman winner registered 26 complete touchdowns (21 passing) and round 4,400 complete yards.
Jefferson added, “I’m looking forward to seeing how good [Murray] does in training camp. I’m looking forward to J.J. (McCarthy) and seeing his improvements, seeing the different things he has picked up over the offseason. But I’m excited for the competition. I’m excited for that to go on in training camp and see the different plays that they make.”
McCarthy’s enhancements have additionally been famous by varied reporters at OTAs. These enhancements might nonetheless play a task within the upcoming season, contemplating Murray’s damage historical past and the stature that would compromise his sturdiness.
It’s additionally price noting that McCarthy continues to be solely 23 years previous, and enchancment isn’t simply attainable however doubtless.
New GM Nolan Teasly, who additionally chatted with Allen, left the door open for the tenth general decide from 2024: “I think it’s deep. It’s competitive. There’s a lot of talent in there. There’s football experience. There’s upside. And that applies to everybody because of the developers we have at that position. So, iron sharpens iron. May the best man win. They’re going to compete hard. They’re going to be developed to a really high level because of coach (Kevin) O’Connell and the offensive football staff.”
Finally, O’Connell will make the choice. Having a robust relationship with Jefferson on the sphere can be essential for both passer. After his disastrous 2025, it wouldn’t be shocking to see a bounce-back.
Editor’s Notice: Data from PFF, Over The Cap, and Sports activities Reference helped with this text.
Janik Eckardt is a German sports activities nerd, who likes numbers and stats. He selected the Vikings to be his … Extra about Janik Eckardt
