Report Details Minnesota Vikings Concern That Could Make Kyler Murray’s Signing a Disaster

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

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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.

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After earning a journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos worked as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sacca… More about Jason Burgos

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Draft rumor claims the Cardinals’ AZ will move back in Round 1 to be Kyler Murray’s replacement

A new NFL Draft rumor suggests the Arizona Cardinals have a specific prospect in mind to replace Kyler Murray this offseason.

When the Cardinals used the first overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft on Murray, there was real hope that he could be the franchise quarterback they have been lacking for decades. After his first three seasons in the league, it seemed like he was the pick as Murray earned Pro Bowl honors in 2020 and 2021.

However, in the four seasons since, Murray has regressed. Part of that is due to injuries. However, when he has been on the field, he has not been as effective as he was early in his career. Things came to a head in 2025, and after the season ended rumors swirled that Murray’s time in Arizona would soon be coming to an end.

Earlier this week, that rumor became reality when the Cardinals reportedly informed the 28-year-old that they plan to release him when the new league year starts next week. Now, the team needs to figure out what they will do at the QB spot in 2026. However, while they have the No. 3 pick in next month’s draft, the top signal caller in this year’s class, Fernando Mendoza, will be off the board before the AZ gets on the clock.

The next best QB this year is Alabama QB Ty Simpson. However, most draft evaluators believe he is the best selection in the middle of the first round. However, a new report suggests that the team may still attempt to land the Crimson Tide QB as a replacement for Murray.

AZ Cardinals considering Round 1 return for Ty Simpson

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This week, NFL insider Todd McShay reported that after the Los Angeles Rams gave up their pick at 29 in a trade for Trent McDuffie, it removed a potential suitor for Simpson. Additionally, he says the Cleveland Browns are unlikely to use the sixth overall pick on the Alabama star, but could select him with their second pick at 24.

However, he claims sources have informed him that the AZ Cardinals are considering trading back up in Round 1 if Simpson is still available late in the round.

While Simpson slumped at the end of last season, there are many talent evaluators, including McShay, who believe his first nine games in 2025 were better than Mendoza, the projected No. 1 pick. And he was hampered by gastritis and poor offensive line play in Alabama’s final game of the season.

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After earning a journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos worked as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sacca… More about Jason Burgos


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