When Kyler Murray came to the Minnesota Vikings, expectations were high off the rip. People immediately brought up Sam Darnold and the career season he had in 2024 before winning a Super Bowl last season with the Seahawks. Now, for Kevin O'Connell and his staff to have Murray, expectations are back to being high for their offense.
However, expectations may be getting even higher after a recent segment on Up and Adams. Host Kay Adams asked her guest, Rob Gronkowski, who his dark horse candidate was for MVP, and he named the former number one overall pick.
He explained his choice, saying, “Kyler Murray has all the tools to be great; his athleticism, and he’s got a great arm,” Gronkowski said. “He’s in a situation where either he succeeds, or the NFL
moves on from him. This is kind of a prove-it season, and he couldn’t be in a better situation to prove it this year. Kyler Murray has a chance to shine and show what he’s all about here in Minnesota.”
Kyler Murray for MVP? 👀
— Up & Adams (@UpAndAdamsShow) September 3, 2026
4x SB Champ Rob Gronkowski on why the Vikings QB is his dark horse:@RobGronkowski | @heykayadams pic.twitter.com/H1siZT16TN
Darnold had some MVP-type numbers, but he faltered down the stretch with the Vikings. If Murray helps them win the NFC North in the condition it is in, keeps the turnovers down, then he is a very real MVP candidate in 2026.
But that is a lot of looming factors at play for him to overcome.
This article originally appeared on Vikings Wire: Former NFL great shares why he thinks Kyler Murray could win the MVP
