The Minnesota Vikings are turning the page and starting a new chapter in their long battle with the quarterback position. There is nothing they would love more than for former top pick J.J. McCarthy to be able to prove himself and be the guy for them.
Of course, that didn't work out, so they brought in Kyler Murray to compete with him. It will mark the third quarterback in as many years to be around the team in a potential starter role. It would also be the second veteran to come in and compete with McCarthy.
At some point, something has to give for the Vikings, but it may not be in 2026. As ESPN's Kevin Seifert writes, even with a strong season, they are prone to be back where they started next offseason.
Seifert explains, "At the moment, the Vikings
haven't committed to anything beyond a summer competition between Murray and McCarthy. Murray is on a one-year contract that prohibits the Vikings from using their franchise tag on him in 2027. McCarthy is entering the third year of his rookie deal, after which the Vikings would have to make a decision on his fifth-year option. . .If the Vikings have the kind of season the sportsbooks and ESPN Analytics are predicting, it stands to reason it will trace through to the quarterback(s) -- leaving the Vikings in a similarly uncertain situation next offseason at the position."
The Vikings saw Sam Darnold have a top-tier season, and they let him walk in free agency with a non-serious offer. If Murray wins the job and has a similar season, they need to learn from their lesson. New general manager Nolan Teasley benefited from letting Darnold walk as he won him a Super Bowl in Seattle last season.
One would have to think he would recognize that and not make the same mistake his predecessor made.
This article originally appeared on Vikings Wire: Odds are not in favor of the Vikings during QB battle
