An NFL insider reveals two surprising QB additions for the Vikings, weighing Kyler Murray and a dark horse against their draft pick's potential.
Two names are standing out in the Minnesota Vikings quarterback search to one insider. Those names are Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray and a surprise candidate in Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith.
NFL Network's Tom Pelissero shared that the two quarterbacks make the most sense. His reasoning? If things don't go well or if J.J. McCarthy proves himself ready, the Vikings can always transition back to their draft pick from the 2024 class in McCarthy.
Julian Ojeda of Clutch Points compared the quarterbacks statistically to better define what the Vikings would be getting from the position with each signal caller.
"McCarthy, 23, threw for 1,632 yards in 10 games, completing 57.6% of his passes with 11 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. He posted a 72.6 passer rating and a 35.6 QBR while adding 181 rushing yards and four touchdowns, along with three fumbles.
Murray, 28, appeared in just five games for the Arizona Cardinals before a season-ending foot injury. He threw for 962 yards with six touchdowns and three interceptions on a 68.3% completion rate, compiling an 88.6 passer rating. Murray also rushed for 173 yards and a touchdown. Arizona finished 3-14 after closing the season with Jacoby Brissett under center.
Smith, 35, completed 67.4% of his passes for 3,025 yards with 19 touchdowns and 17 interceptions for the Las Vegas Raiders. He posted an 84.7 passer rating and a 34.1 QBR across 15 games while adding 109 rushing yards. Las Vegas also finished 3-14."
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith (7) looks to throw in the third quarter against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium. Kirby Lee-Imagn ImagesBoth of the possible additions would signal clear intentions although adding Smith would be very different than adding Murray.
In adding Smith, the Vikings would be all but saying, McCarthy is our quarterback of the future and we're placing all of our eggs in that basket long-term. Smith presumably would not be the Vikings quarterback much longer than the 2026 season should he even win the job. And while his 67.4% completion rate and 3,025 passing yards are positive indicators of production, having 17 interceptions to his 19 touchdown passes indicates the quarterback would be a risky choice.
Murray would signal the Vikings can now invest in two potential quarterbacks of the future, and given Murray's contract it would indicate Minnesota is probably serious about the quarterback becoming the franchise player in the organization.
Murray has four 3,700-yards-or-more passing seasons in his seven years as a starter. In the three years he failed to hit that mark, Murray played 11 games or less. In other words, when you given a full season he has reached 3,700 passing yards every time. That's to say nothing of his rushing totals.
Whether or not a player fits the Vikings' quarterback plans depends on what their goal of the offseason is at the position. But if the team wants to be flexible at the position, Smith and Murray stand as good options.