A new report explains why the running back problem for the Minnesota Vikings could spell disaster for Kyler Murray in 2026.
After a tremendous sophomore season, the Vikings could not deny that they needed a secondary option behind young quarterback JJ McCarthy. However, when the Arizona Cardinals decided to waive two-time Pro Bowler Kyler Murray, Minnesota was given the option to take a player who could do more than just compete with McCarthy for the starting job.
Since the signing, there has been much discussion among NFL pundits that Murray could return to his Pro Bowl form under head coach Kevin O'Connell and lead the Vikings to the Super Bowl the following season. However, a new report from The Athletic's Jacob Robinson dashes those grand expectations.
In Thursday's newsletter, the football analyst reported that, in general, the Vikings' offensive line has performed poorly over the past few seasons, and their interior has been a particular weakness. That's bad news for Murray, the shortest QB in the league.
"Internal pressure wreaks havoc on an undersized quarterback like the 5-foot-10 Murray," Robinson writes. "Small passers need extra space to see their linemen and good throwing lanes to get the ball out. That's why the Panthers invested heavily in the interior for Bryce Young, as the Saints did with Drew Brees."
The Minnesota Vikings' offensive line could be much better in 2026
Internal concerns with the smaller QB are a good reason to believe Murray could have a bad first season in Minnesota. Especially when he has struggled with injuries over the last few years and hasn't looked like a Pro Bowler for quite some time.
However, Robinson did not just bring bad news and offered legitimate hope. First, he reported that “the injuries are gone.” [the offensive line] There were 26 different combinations last season.'' Additionally, they have a new coach in Keith Carter, and notable talent on the O-line.
Robinson wrote, "Left tackle Christian Darrisaw and guard Donovan Jackson were selected in the first round. On the right side are high-paid guard Will Friesz and tackle Brian O'Neill." He also said that Murray's ability to extend the play due to his athleticism is something that Vikings QBs have been lacking recently.
