Taking a Hard Look at How the Vikings Would Fare with Kyler Murray

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray is becoming a name to watch in Minnesota Vikings circles. The quarterback is rumored to be open to moving to Minnesota to continue his NFL career.

There are questions about whether or not Murray is a franchise quarterback in the league or even a difference maker for the Vikings should they bring him in, but the stats say he's got plenty of potential.

The seven-year NFL veteran in many ways still has plenty to prove, among which is whether or not he can elevate a team to postseason success, much less get to the playoffs consistently. But there have been obstacles preventing his breakout, and coaching turmoil has been one of them.

It's been a while since the Cardinals had a head coach that stayed in his position long-term. The revolving door at head coach has led to instable surroundings for the team. Moreover, it's not difficult to see why Murray has not flourished in Arizona.

Injuries have plagued Murray in his time in Arizona. Only three times has the quarterback played in 16 or more games in his seven-year career. That said, when he is healthy he has been productive.

Consider this: In three of his seven seasons, Murray has been limited to just 11 games played or less. In the other four seasons, the quarterback has thrown for over 3,700 yards with the most recent 3,700-or-more yards season coming in 2024.

For his career, Murray is a 67.1% passer with 20,460 yards, 121 touchdowns and 60 interceptions. The 2:1 touchdown to interception ratio is strong and indicative of a quarterback that keeps his team in position to win games. And when you consider what the Vikings' starting quarterback J.J. McCarthy did this season, 11 touchdowns and 12 interceptions, Murray's worst season is better than McCarthy's best so far.

To date, the Murray's best showcases were his 2020, 2021 and 2024 seasons. His statistical best was arguably in 2020, but perhaps his most impressive all around season was in 2021 when he led the Cardinals to an 11-6 record. For the skeptics in Minnesota, his track record of winning is where the questions begin.

Just three times in his career has Murray won eight or more games. We understand wins are not a quarterback stat, but they are certainly a data point for a team that is pursuing a quarterback upgrade to get more wins. Even that is explained by the Cardinals dysfunction as much as Murray's failures.

The Vikings want to upgrade, and fans want to know that the next quarterback addition will be that. And while we're not sure to which degree Murray would improve the position, one thing seems evident: He would be a better quarterback than anyone the team had in 2026.