A Minnesota Vikings helmet sits alongside the sideline earlier than a divisional recreation in opposition to the Detroit Lions at Ford Area. The pregame scene was captured on Jan. 2, 2011, in Detroit as Minnesota ready to conclude the common season throughout a interval of transition for the franchise and its roster. Necessary Credit score: Andrew Weber-Imagn Photos
The Minnesota Vikings signed quarterback Kyler Murray in March, and three months later, some traction suggests he could possibly be a darkish horse for the NFL MVP award in 2026.
Vikings followers can be content material with Murray enjoying properly sufficient to succeed in the postseason and win a playoff recreation, two, or just a few, however NFL.com insists that Murray can’t be dominated out of the MVP race.
Vikings’ Offense Provides Murray a Actual Stat-Pleasant Setup
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray stands close to the bench throughout second-half motion in opposition to the Washington Commanders at FedEx Area. The scene was captured on Sept. 10, 2023, in Landover as Murray continued his restoration from harm and noticed Arizona’s season opener from the sideline in the course of the early levels of the common season. Necessary Credit score: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Photos
Dan Parr: Murray Is an MVP Darkish Horse
Parr of NFL.com sized up 9 MVP darkish horses, and Murray confirmed up on the listing at No. 8, one spot forward of Atlanta Falcons operating again Bijan Robinson and 7 spots beneath darkish horse “frontrunner” Brock Purdy, the San Francisco 49ers’ quarterback.
He defined, “We saw what Kevin O’Connell did with a reclamation project two years ago, when he flipped the career arc of Sam Darnold by helping him become a Pro Bowl QB (and earn a few points in the MVP voting) in his lone season with Minnesota. Now I’m fascinated to see what the QB guru can do with Murray, who’s looking for the O’Connell bump after cratering in Arizona.”
“He still has to beat out 2024 first-round pick J.J. McCarthy for the starting job, but if Murray’s able to tap back into the dual-threat ability that earned him consecutive Pro Bowl trips a few years ago (2020-2021), it shouldn’t be much of a competition. While it might not pop off every corner of the page, the supporting cast in Minnesota looks strong on paper, led by one of the league’s top players in WR Justin Jefferson.”
No Vikings — or any non-quarterback — has gained the award since 2012. It’s time.
Parr continued, “If Jordan Addison and Jauan Jennings stay healthy, that could be a tough trio of pass catchers for defenses to match up against. The offensive line is solid, anchored by LT Christian Darrisaw. They’re not the most dynamic at tight end (T.J. Hockenson) or running back (Aaron Jones, Jordan Mason), but all in all, it’s a respectable group. Murray has demonstrated a propensity for making defenses look silly.”
“He was doing it not too long ago, albeit too infrequently. If O’Connell helps him unlock peak form, the Vikings could be surprise contenders in the NFC North, and the heat from the QB’s MVP campaign might turn snowmen into puddles across Minneapolis next winter.”
Effectively, the Profession Manufacturing Is There
It’d really feel like a extremely daring soak up June to proclaim Murray as an MVP candidate, however a peek below the hood of his profession manufacturing reveals that it wouldn’t be unusual in any respect if he nibbled at rivalry.
Each begins 17, Murray averages this stat line:
— 3,997 Passing Yards— 623 Dashing Yards— 24 Passing TDs— 6 Dashing TDs— 12 INTs— 67.1 Completion %
And people numbers are with typically poor Cardinals groups that have been restricted by suspect protection. If one assumes that Murray experiences a statistical bump upon arriving in Minnesota, properly, his statistics would completely mandate MVP consideration, not not like Darnold’s 2024 pit cease within the Twin Cities.
Simply Keep Wholesome?
Right here’s the kicker for Murray to be actually seen as an MVP candidate: his availability.
Since 2019, when Arizona picked Murray with the primary general choose, he has missed 26% of all video games to harm. That proportion could possibly be barely inflated due to his “soft benching” by the Cardinals in 2025, or so goes the idea, however as an entire, Murray often misses a couple of quarter of all begins.
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kyler Murray speaks with reporters following a minicamp apply at TCO Efficiency Heart. The media session occurred on June 9, 2026, in Eagan as Murray mentioned his work with quarterbacks coach Josh McCown and his transition into Minnesota’s offensive system forward of coaching camp. Necessary Credit score: YouTube
It might be tough for Murray to be labeled as an MVP candidate whereas, for instance, enjoying 13 video games in 2026. He might miss a recreation or two, however MVP voters consider well being as properly, since availability is a think about worth.
Subsequently, Murray has a mission: keep wholesome, play effectively in Kevin O’Connell’s offense, and let Brian Flores’s protection maintain the remaining — because it often does.
The Actual Frontrunners
Again to actuality, these are the true leaders within the MVP race with the common season lower than three months away:
Josh Allen: +550
Lamar Jackson: +650
Justin Herbert: +1000
Joe Burrow: +1000
Patrick Mahomes: +1000
Drake Maye: +1100
Dak Prescott: +1300
Caleb Williams: +1400
Matthew Stafford: +1400
Jordan Love: +1500
Jayden Daniels: +2000
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray throws passes throughout pregame warm-ups earlier than a street matchup in opposition to the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium. The quarterback was on the sphere on Nov. 7, 2021, in Santa Clara as Arizona ready for an vital NFC West contest in the course of the common season. Necessary Credit score: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports activities
Maye and Stafford battled to the very finish in 2025, with Stafford prevailing by a whisker. Sportsbooks imagine Allen is because of win the award for a second time.
Murray was within the combine to win the MVP award in 2021, however the league in the end honored Aaron Rodgers throughout his penultimate season in Inexperienced Bay.
Dustin Baker is a novelist and political scientist. His second novel, The Invaders , is out now. So is … Extra about Dustin Baker
