Vikings Leadership Is Down to a Single Lifeline
Approaching two years through the J.J. McCarthy era in Minnesota, the Vikings are nowhere near a long-term verdict on his trajectory as a starting quarterback. Or — if they are, the outlook is bleak. And if the current leadership regime wishes to salvage the situation for the long term, one lifeline may be the only salvation: Kyler Murray.
Minnesota Vikings leadership may be down to a single lifeline as pressure, uncertainty, and long-term decisions converge on the franchise’s future.
The team’s fan base won’t universally endorse a trade for Murray, but it could be the last line of defense for general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and head coach Kevin O’Connell.
Vikings GM’s Hail Mary Could Be Kyler Murray
Murray may be there for the taking in the offseason.
Murray Could Be on the Market in the Offseason
Right after the NFL trade deadline, when Murray was not moved, Bleacher Report banged the drum on his short-term outlook in Arizona.
Kristopher Knox wrote, “Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray was not one of the big names traded at Tuesday’s deadline. However, his future in Arizona is questionable at absolute best. The Cardinals announced that Jacoby Brissett would get another start early in the week, which could easily lead some to believe that head coach Jonathan Gannon prefers the veteran pocket passer to Murray.”
“Of course, that’s not the only reason why Murray’s name surfaced at the trade deadline or why it’ll come up again in the offseason. Murray has never delivered a playoff win, and he was the product of a previous regime. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Cardinals and Murray are expected to have ‘extensive discussions’ to determine what’s next—with a split being likely.”
Knox also claimed that Murray’s separation from the Cardinals is imminent.
There’s a very tangible reality that Murray is there for the taking in February or March.
J.J. McCarthy’s Development Stalled — or Dead
McCarthy’s six starts have brought highs and lows, with the highs occurring in flashes and usually at the end of games. It’s really bizarre.
Whether this week, the month of December, or in the offseason, Minnesota must decide if McCarthy, who is nearing the end of his contract’s second year, has shown enough growth in two years to get the nod beyond 2025 as the unabashed QB1.
If that judgment were rendered on November 24th, the verdict would be no. And just like that, the Vikings would need a QB1 alternative.
Current Leadership Probably Can’t Be Trusted to Draft Another QB
Vikings history is filled — to the brim — with failed rookie quarterback selections, paving the way for guys like Kirk Cousins, Randall Cunningham, and one memorable year of Brett Favre. In that vein, acquiring Murray is totally on-brand for Minnesota, a franchise that does not fancy all-out rebuilding processes.
So there’s an argument to draft another quarterback from Rounds 1, 2, or 3 as early as this April, but can Adofo-Mensah be trusted with that assignment after potentially failing so flagrantly on the McCarthy pick? Or — will the Vikings owners even allow that from Adofo-Mensah? Perhaps not.
Mark and Zygi Wilf may tell Adofo-Mensah he has one offseason to fix the current plight without drafting another passer. That task could be reserved for the next general manager.
Which, of course, would lead Adofo-Mensah to Murray as a contingency plan.
Price for Murray Is Debatable
How much will Murray cost? Wowzers — that’s debatable.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler wrote earlier this month, “I’m leaning toward Murray not sticking in Arizona in 2026. Murray has spent seven seasons under center, and Arizona has one winning season and zero playoff wins to show for it. It feels like it’s time. It’s hard to envision any scenario in which the Cardinals want to guarantee $19.5 million of 2027 salary for Murray, which would be the case if they don’t trade or release him by the fifth day of the upcoming league year.”
“Moving any of his nearly $37 million in 2026 guarantees would be a challenge but not impossible if there’s a market for his services. It’s clear to everyone watching the Cardinals over the past month that the offense is running more smoothly with Jacoby Brissett at the helm. Murray’s 44.3 QBR ranks 26th in the NFL, but he is an immense talent who could use a change. Multiple teams will likely have quarterback openings, including the Jets and Browns.”
Arizona has an artificial deadline for Murray’s contract, making him a release candidate or available for trade at a lower cost than most would expect.
Fowler added, “Coaches love reclamation projects, and I think Murray can be salvaged. Several former first-round picks have had success after leaving the teams that drafted them: Daniel Jones (Colts), Sam Darnold (Vikings/Seahawks), Baker Mayfield (Buccaneers) and even Mac Jones (49ers) to a lesser extent.
“Murray is deeper into his career than those players were, but many league evaluators still considered him among the top 12-14 quarterbacks entering this season. What happened this season won’t change that outlook too much.”
Perhaps Minnesota could get Murray for the equivalent of a 2nd-Rounder — if the Cardinals don’t release him outright.
If Adofo-Mensah a) isn’t fired this January b) isn’t allowed to draft another quarterback, Murray or Mac Jones could be his only fail-safes.
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