ESPN lauds Vikings over $1.3 million signing

Mar 20, 2026 - 03:30

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ESPN lauds Vikings over $1.3 million signing originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Minnesota Vikings announced to the NFL world that they aren't completely sold on J.J. McCarthy, as they went and signed Kyler Murray early in free agency.

The move has been seen as a great one, both for the player and the franchise, with Murray getting a shot to resurrect his career, and the Vikings getting a veteran quarterback who can transform their team into a playoff contender.

The thing most like about the Murray deal is the cost. Just one-year at $1.3 million.

And for ESPN's Seth Walder, he's given the move an "A" grade.

“The Vikings pulled off an absolute coup at the game's most important position,” Walder wrote. “If it breaks right, Murray can help the Vikings be a playoff threat now. Both O'Connell and defensive coordinator Brian Flores have shown an ability to give their team a schematic advantage and elevate their units over the sum of their parts.

“And if Murray can find his form? Then he's throwing to one of the best, if not the best, wide receivers in football in Justin Jefferson. The value here is enormous.”

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Is it the end for J.J. in Minnesota?

Well, it isn't a sure thing he'll be there long-term, that's for sure.

But while Murray was signed to be competition for McCarthy and the starting role, it doesn't mean Kyler will beat him out. In fact, I'd imagine that the Vikings would want McCarthy to win the job.

That would make him the long-term starter at quarterback.

If Kyler wins, it will likely see McCarthy's days as a starter in Minnesota over.

So, yeah, there's a lot on the line this offseason.