1 Vikings QB Idea Could Be on Life Support

For a little while, Anthony Richardson was earning frequent flyer miles while cruising around the Vikings QB rumors. Is that still the case?

The widespread expectation in the Twin Cities is that Kyler Murray is soon to become a Vikings employee. He would be the favorite to be under center — in shotgun? — for Week 1. J.J. McCarthy alongside Max Brosmer are the other arms to compete for snaps. Presumably, a fourth passer gets added, but could it realistically be Mr. Richardson?

Vikings QB Idea for Anthony Richardson Feels Far Off

Quite possibly, Minnesota is sitting in the calm before the storm.

Murray could decide to sign at any moment. He’s now a free agent, as league insiders aplenty have confirmed. Dianna Russini of The Athletic offers some clarity on what’s taking place: “Now that Kyler Murray’s release from the Cardinals is official, the Minnesota Vikings are expected to target him as a veteran addition to their QB room, sources tell The Athletic. He will be taking a visit to Minnesota and getting a physical.”

Each side is moving forward with some basic due diligence. The Vikings are going to do a physical, ensuring a baseline level of healthiness. The visit serves both sides as they get to know each other.

Consider what Tom Pelissero had to say: “The Vikings plan to make a push for Kyler Murray and are the favorite to land the former No. 1 overall pick, sources tell me and @RapSheet. Finally released today by Arizona, Murray will take his time and wants to speak with interested teams. But Minnesota is the team to beat.”

And Adam Schefter joins the fun: “The Arizona Cardinals officially have released QB Kyler Murray. With Murray now free, the Minnesota Vikings are considered the overwhelming favorite to sign him. In the words of one source: ‘I’d be shocked if he’s not a Viking.’”

Basically, the NFL’s most plugged-in insiders have begun singing the same song: Murray to Minnesota is close to locked in. Nary a word of Anthony Richardson in sight.

Without question, Murray is a far superior quarterback in the present moment. He’s way more accurate and has accomplished much more. In fact, Richardson’s completion percentage makes him essentially unplayable. Pivoting off the Richardson idea in the present moment to add somebody who could start makes a lot of sense.

However, the intrigue with Richardson should still exist. He’s reminiscent of Tim Tebow since both are built like defensive ends; the notable difference is that Richardson has arm talent. Raw talent can be improved with time. So, bring him to town and give him time.

The Colts appear very unlikely to keep the talented young fella after draining the ATM for Daniel Jones. Minnesota is hesitant to part with picks, so a cut could be the necessary precursor to a Richardson add.

Note: bringing him to town is not about getting a starter for 2026. Rather, the hope is to have Minnesota’s version of Taysom Hill: a versatile playmaker who can throw, run, and inspire some fear in the defense. If he turns into a weapon who puts a fright into the other side, Anthony Richardson would be well worth a modest contract.

Anthony Richardson, 23, stands at 6’4″ and weighs 244 pounds. He ran a blistering 4.43 while having a cannon attached to his shoulder instead of an arm. Gambling on an upside QB3 (especially for a low-level financial commitment) is never a bad idea.

Editor’s Note: Information from Pro Football Reference and Over the Cap helped with this piece.

Senior Editor for Vikings Territory & PurplePTSD . Twitter & Bluesky: @VikingsGazette. Email: k.joudry[at]vikingsterritory[dot]com. Canadian. Jude 1:24-25.