For the third time in as many seasons, the Minnesota Vikings will be rolling out a new starting quarterback for week one. Sam Darnold, J.J. McCarthy, and now Kyler Murray will get their shot at becoming the franchise quarterback fans have been clamoring for. While the reports out of camp were that Murray started to turn the corner once he was named the starter, could he be the biggest cause for concern this season?
Kevin Seifert of ESPN has followed Minnesota all preseason, and in their team preview for 2026, noted Murray as the major concern this season:
Biggest concern: Quarterback Kyler Murray. There's a difference between being the best quarterback in training camp, as Murray clearly was, and being ready to have a great season. Murray showed
he could make all the throws in the scheme, and his off-schedule skills remain intact. But it remains to be seen if he'll see the downfield routes behind the Vikings' huge offensive line. Fortunately he'll have a receiver group that rivals its linebackers in talent.
If Minnesota wants to get back into the playoffs this season, it falls squarely on Murray. The ceiling for this Vikings offense has risen significantly compared to starting McCarthy, but since this is Murray's first year in this offense, struggles could arise, raising concerns.
This article originally appeared on Vikings Wire: Could Vikings QB Kyler Murray remain a cause for concern in 2026?
