The Minnesota Vikings are narrowing down their veteran quarterback choices earlier than free company begins on March 11 at 4 p.m. ET.
ESPN’s Dan Graziano reported that he expects the Vikings to pursue QBs Kyler Murray (Arizona Cardinals) and Geno Smith (Las Vegas Raiders), whom their respective golf equipment will virtually actually launch.
Of these choices, Minnesota ought to select Murray. Signing the No. 1 general decide of the 2019 NFL Draft to a one-year deal may present better rewards for the Vikings than including Smith.
Why the Vikings ought to add Kyler Murray as an alternative of Geno Smith
Murray, who turns 29 on Aug. 7, would have a better likelihood of changing into a franchise QB than Smith, who turns 36 on Oct. 10. Minnesota desperately wants that within the NFC North, the place QBs Caleb Williams (Chicago Bears), Jared Goff (Detroit Lions) and Jordan Love (Inexperienced Bay Packers) await twice a yr.
Murray battled accidents over his final 4 seasons with Arizona. He missed 12 video games in 2025 due to a proper foot challenge. When wholesome, although, the previous Oklahoma Sooners star has offered stable QB play.
Murray gained 2019 Offensive Rookie of the Yr and made two Professional Bowls throughout his first three seasons with the Cardinals. In the course of the 2024 season, he performed 17 video games, rating eleventh within the NFL in passing yards (3,851) and ninth in QBR (63.4). He additionally tied for thirteenth in landing passes (21).
Smith, in the meantime, could also be nearing the tip of his profession. The QB made consecutive Professional Bowls with the Seattle Seahawks in 2022 and 2023, however he has since struggled with turnovers. Over the previous two seasons, he has led the NFL in interceptions (32), per StatMuse.
Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy’s confidence may take one other hit if the group provides Murray. He could be an even bigger risk for decide No. 10 of the 2024 draft than Smith.
Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell and govt vp of soccer operations Rob Brzezinski have indicated they have not given up on McCarthy. Nonetheless, what number of extra probabilities ought to he obtain after struggling mightily in his first yr as a full-time starter?
McCarthy — who missed the 2024 season due to a meniscus tear in his proper knee — went 6-4 in 10 begins this previous season however tossed extra interceptions (12) than TD passes (11). Minnesota completed 9-8 and missed the playoffs.
O’Connell, an offensive wizard, has revived the careers of QBs who’ve flamed out elsewhere. Take a look at Sam Darnold (now with the Seattle Seahawks), who ranked fifth within the NFL in TD passes (35) when he performed for Minnesota in 2024. Murray clearly has a greater likelihood of being his subsequent profitable reclamation mission than Smith.
