Analyst makes stunning Kyler Murray claim for Vikings in 2026 originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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When the Minnesota Vikings signed Kyler Murray in free agency, it sparked a hotly debated conversation.
Would he be the starter for Kevin O’Connell?
J.J. McCarthy, after a poor 2025 season, is now seen as replaceable, and the Vikings haven’t done anything to suggest he will be QB1 going forward.
A quarterback battle is set to ensue this offseason to see who will be the starter for O’Connell and the Vikings.
But CBS Sports’ Tyler Sullivan thinks a decision has already been made.
“He may not officially be QB1 yet, but it’s merely a formality at this point,” Sullivan wrote. “Kyler Murray will, in all likelihood, be the Vikings’ starter in 2026 after signing with the club this offseason.
“Murray has played 12-plus games just once in the last four seasons, so durability will be a big concern as he looks to revitalize his career and save the Vikings from seeing their championship window vanish.”
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Is starting job Murray’s to lose?
Well, put it like this, the Vikings wouldn’t have signed Murray in the offseason if they didn’t think he could start, right?
And he’s going to get the chance to prove to the coaching staff that he can win the job, which means fewer reps for McCarthy, who desperately needs them.
So, barring McCarthy absolutely blowing the staff’s minds this offseason and leaving no doubt as to who the better quarterback is, like Sullivan, I think it is Murray’s job.
Of course, this is a projection, and anything can happen in the coming months, but if a game were to be played today, I think Murray suits up instead of J.J.
Which tells you all you need to know.