Does Kyler Murray Already Have a Landing Spot?
Next season, the Minnesota Vikings are going to have a choice to make. The one they absolutely cannot make is to give J.J. McCarthy the reins without a level of competition.
Kyler Murray is done for the season with Arizona, and his next game could come with the Minnesota Vikings if they can swing a trade.
They chose to do that this year by positioning Sam Darnold and Daniel Jones as anything but unquestioned starters.
Kyler Murray to Vikings … Makes Sense
Regardless of what McCarthy shows the rest of the way, the only thing he is capable of proving is future viability in the league. He will return next season, but only as a backup, and he must force his way into the starting lineup. That means figuring out another option.
Kyler Murray has effectively played his last game for the Arizona Cardinals. He won’t play again this season, and he is likely to be traded during the offseason. He does have something of a gaudy contract, but that should only depreciate what the Cardinals can get for him.
Minnesota is not in a position to swing and miss again. A journeyman like Mac Jones or Marcus Mariota is not going to be the answer. The ceiling is muted, and while someone capable can generate results (hi Kirk, Sam, and Carson), a desire to provide a better floor is a must.
Murray would be the most established quarterback available while still providing a path forward. Aaron Rodgers would be a one-year rogue agent, and his health is now in question. Daniel Jones is unlikely to escape the grips of Indianapolis after a standout season on his one-year deal. It’s also unlikely that Minnesota drafts another quarterback with a first-round pick while McCarthy is still on the roster.
At the end of the day, Murray will want to land somewhere he can immediately make an impact. Unfortunately, he spends plenty of time on the sidelines due to injuries, but is more than impressive when effective and healthy. The Vikings could offer McCarthy an opportunity to impact a high-octane offense, and the thought of him pairing with Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison is beyond exciting.
Minnesota has plenty of things to sort out this offseason. It’s not certain that Kwesi-Adofo Mensah should be in charge of pulling those levers. No matter who is in charge, though, figuring out Murray’s market and how the Vikings can be involved should be part of the process.
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