Kyler Murray slings a cross throughout Minnesota Vikings minicamp in June 2026 on the crew’s observe facility in Eagan. The veteran quarterback, signed in March for $1.3 million, labored by summer time reps whereas studying Kevin O’Connell’s offense and making ready for a high-profile quarterback competitors inside Minnesota’s reshaped QB room earlier than coaching camp later that summer time. Necessary Credit score: YouTube.
No Minnesota Vikings participant has received the MVP award since Adrian Peterson in 2012 — none have actually come all that shut since then — however based on NFL.com, there’s an opportunity that adjustments in 2026.
Bucky Brooks from that web site named long-shot award winners final week, and the one MVP winner who emerged from his publication was Murray.
Murray’s MVP Buzz Turns a Low cost Vikings Wager right into a Greater Story
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray throws close to the sideline earlier than kickoff towards the San Francisco 49ers, getting unfastened for an NFC West highway matchup on Nov. 7, 2021, at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, as Arizona ready for a bodily divisional sport with out shedding sight of Murray’s playmaking function. Necessary Credit score: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports activities.
Brook: Murray Is the Predominant Lengthy-Shot to Win MVP
Murray getting MVP consideration this early turned heads. Brooks defined, “The combination of Murray’s spectacular playmaking ability and Kevin O’Connell’s creative scheming could quickly remind the football world why this quarterback won the Heisman Trophy at Oklahoma and then went first overall in the 2019 NFL Draft.”
“Injuries have plagued the former Offensive Rookie of the Year in recent seasons, but Murray’s dual-threat skills should be enhanced by the Vikings’ playmakers and play designer. After watching KOC transform a struggling Sam Darnold into a Pro Bowler in 2024, I’m confident that the coaching wizard can help the ultra-talented Murray regain his magic in Minnesota.”
Darnold, too, posted MVP-style numbers in 2024 however crumbled when the lights had been brightest.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray throws in the course of the second half of an NFC Wild Card playoff sport towards the Los Angeles Rams on Jan. 17, 2022, at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, making an attempt to increase performs as Arizona’s postseason hopes ran by a tough highway matchup towards a well-recognized division rival. Necessary Credit score: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports activities.
Brooks concluded, “Given the 28-year-old’s prowess as a dual-threat weapon, the Vikings could re-emerge with a potent offense to complement Brian Flores’ swarming D. If Murray makes Minnesota a true contender in a loaded NFC North, the eighth-year pro could add another major piece of football hardware to his mantel.”
What Has to Occur?
How can Murray snatch the league MVP award? It received’t be simple:
— Submit 3,500 Passing Yards or Extra— Document 35+ Whole Touchdowns— Keep away from a Flurry of Turnovers— Preserve the Vikings Close to the High of the NFC North from Cowl to Cowl— Attain the Postseason
If the Vikings received the NFC North and Murray began 15-17 video games, his case could be enhanced.
MVP voters don’t contemplate playoff efficiency in any respect, so Murray and his MVP friends should craft great common seasons. Briefly, Murray should keep wholesome, thrive individually, and lead the Vikings to the playoffs. That’s the blueprint.
Vikings Don’t Even Want Murray to Submit MVP Numbers
The Vikings’ offense, that includes Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, Jauan Jennings, and T.J. Hockenson, is additional bolstered by O’Connell’s adept playcalling, creating a super surroundings for any quarterback. Murray is stepping right into a extremely favorable state of affairs, which is a candy benefit.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray meets Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson at midfield following the ultimate whistle after preseason motion between Arizona and Baltimore on Aug. 21, 2022, at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, bringing collectively two dynamic quarterbacks whose mobility and arm expertise have formed fashionable NFL conversations. Necessary Credit score: Joe Rondone/The Republic-USA TODAY NETWORK.
Murray’s function is fairly clear: he must execute the offense effectively, shield the soccer, make huge performs, and transfer the sticks on third Down. Minnesota doesn’t require a superhuman effort from Murray. As an alternative, they want him to revert to his pre-controversy Arizona kind — a quarterback who ranks within the NFL’s High 15.
The parallels to Baker Mayfield are evident, too. Each had been prime draft picks who had been finally launched by their drafting groups. Mayfield revitalized his profession in Tampa Bay by resilient, environment friendly play and by persistently taking high-percentage throws. Murray can replicate this success, with the added dimension of superior mobility and a better capability to create game-changing performs.
If Murray performs to his potential, the partnership might lengthen past a single season. His expertise suggests he might be the Vikings’ long-term resolution at quarterback. Whereas Arizona moved on, Minnesota has offered him with a wonderful alternative to re-establish his profession.
A to Z Sports activities‘ Tyler Foness famous on Murray this week, “You can do the classroom work and study the playbook at home, but applying it on the field helps ingrain a certain level of comfort.”
“That’s why you often hear about quarterbacks taking a major step in year three of a system, especially a West Coast offense as O’Connell runs. At that point, it often becomes second nature. Murray needs every possible rep to reach that point. Remember, this is about winning a Super Bowl in 2026, not worrying about the future.”
Murray doesn’t must play like an MVP for Minnesota to excel; the Vikings want competence on the place. They completed final yr with a successful document regardless of poor quarterback efficiency.
The True Frontrunners
In actuality, Murray has round a +5000 chance of successful MVP. Right here’s the “real” record, based on sportsbooks:
Josh Allen (Payments) — +600
Lamar Jackson (Ravens) — +750
Drake Maye (Patriots) — +850
Joe Burrow (Bengals) — +900
Matthew Stafford (Rams) — +900
Justin Herbert (Chargers) — +1100
Patrick Mahomes (Chiefs) — +1300
Dak Prescott (Cowboys) — +1400
Caleb Williams (Bears) — +1500
Trevor Lawrence (Jaguars) — +1600
Brock Purdy (49ers) — +1900
Jayden Daniels (Commanders) — +2000
Jordan Love (Packers) — +2200
Sam Darnold (Seahawks) — +2700
Murray’s quarterback teammate, J.J. McCarthy, has MVP odds round +20000 for curious minds.
Dustin Baker is a novelist and political scientist. His second novel, The Invaders , is out now. So is … Extra about Dustin Baker
