Kyler Murray ignites the Vikings' offseason. A Lions analyst breaks down Minnesota's savvy moves, from quarterback gambles to defensive reinforcements, reshaping the NFC North.
The NFC North was not necessarily the toughest division in football last season, but it's shaping up to be one of the toughest in 2026.
After a handful of free agent moves by the four teams, there is no definitive best and worst team in the division.
Christian Booher of Detroit Lions on SI discussed each NFC North team and where they stand in the division. Booher shared his thoughts on what the Minnesota Vikings have accomplished this March.
"Within the division, it has been a mostly quiet first week as the teams in the North have focused mostly on smaller deals. However, there have been a few splashes including the Minnesota Vikings potentially signaling a change at quarterback.
After an up-and-down year from J.J. McCarthy, the Vikings signed recently released former Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray. Signed to a one-year deal, Murray has the athleticism and ability to revive the Vikings' offense but is coming off an injury riddled final season in Arizona.
If Murray is able to find that groove that made him one of the league's best dual threat quarterbacks, it completely changes the dynamic as the Vikings have a talented array of skill players around him. Elsewhere, the Vikings have signed a pair of cornerbacks including former Steeler James Pierre, along with linebacker Eric Wilson."
Green Bay Packers running back Chris Brooks (30) is stopped by Minnesota Vikings cornerback Isaiah Rodgers (2) and linebacker Eric Wilson (55) during their football game. Dan Powers / USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin.-USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn ImagesThe Vikings have done more with less when it comes to reloading for the 2026 NFL season. The team added a sure-fire franchise altering player for $1.3 million. For context, the Indianapolis Colts added Daniel Jones on a two-year, $88 million contract. We are not yet convinced Murray will be any less effective than Jones.
In addition, the team added star linebacker Eric Wilson for a three-year, $22 million contract. Wilson had 115 total tackles, 60 solo tackles and 6.5 sacks in 2025.
Considering the value the two players bring to both sides of the football, Minnesota did more in two moves than some teams will do over the entire offseason. It cost them under $24 million.
It's difficult to quantify where that ranks the Vikings in the loaded NFC North division. Minnesota finished last season in third place with a 9-8 record ahead of the Detroit Lions. The Packers made the wild card with a 9-7-1 record behind the division-winning Chicago Bears at 11-6.
Any of the four teams could win the division and any of them could finish last, but the Vikings have done plenty to ensure they put their best foot forward in their push to make the playoffs next season.