This offseason's top move? Signing Kyler Murray for pennies. Analyst praises the move's potential to ignite a playoff run with elite coaching and weapons.
How good was the decision to sign Kyler Murray as quarterback to a one-year, $1.3 million contract? One analyst ranks it the best move of free agency. It is that, because of the potential that comes with the move.
The Minnesota Vikings did not just sign any quarterback; they signed a prolific one. And they did so for less than quality backup money. For one analyst, calling it a move of the offseason is a no-brainer.
ESPN's Seth Walder described the move and what it means for the Vikings.
"There's going to be a lot of talk about reclamation projects connected to the Vikings in the wake of the Seahawks winning the Super Bowl with Sam Darnold and Daniel Jones' resurgence last season in Indianapolis. But Murray's peak was substantially higher than those two before they arrived in Minnesota. By comparison, helping Murray should feel like easy mode for Kevin O'Connell.
This is not just about rehabbing Murray's image and shipping him off a year from now for some draft picks. If it breaks right, Murray can help the Vikings be a playoff threat now. I'm not sure how good I'd call the Vikings roster these days -- especially if they trade Jonathan Greenard -- but I'm not going to doubt Minnesota's coaches. Both O'Connell and defensive coordinator Brian Flores have shown an ability to give their team a schematic advantage and elevate their units over the sum of their parts.
And if Murray can find his form? Then he's throwing to one of the best, if not the best, wide receivers in football in Justin Jefferson."
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) throws the ball during warmups before their game against the Las Vegas Raiders. Joe Rondone/The Republic-USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn ImagesThere are several interesting layers in the Minnesota quarterback room. Among them, that the likely second- and third-string quarterbacks in J.J. McCarthy and Carson Wentz will be paid more by the Vikings than the starter in Murray. That sets up for a potential imbalance in the quarterback room.
That Wentz and McCarthy would be paid more is knit picking. The Cardinals will still pay Murray over $30 million from the remainder of his contract with the team. So, Murray will still make that money, though it won't come from the Vikings this season.
Nevertheless, the Vikings were able to secure a franchise quarterback who is still on a franchise quarterback contract, without being the one to cut the check. For that reason, it is easily the move of the offseason in the NFL. They'll look to put the finishing touches on their offseason with a strong NFL draft.