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Sports

Bleacher Report Predicts Trouble for Kyler Murray

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Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray stands during the national anthem before a game against Atlanta.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray stands on the sideline during pregame ceremonies before a matchup with the Atlanta Falcons at State Farm Stadium. Murray had recently returned from injury and was preparing for the next chapter of his career in Arizona. Captured on Nov. 12, 2023, the image reflects a pivotal moment in his comeback season. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports.

Last year, the NFL media and fan community debated whether quarterback Kyler Murray had been “softly benched” in Arizona, a theory that felt vindicated when the Cardinals released him in March. Fast forward to June 2026, and Bleacher Report claims Murray could be benched again this season, this time courtesy of the Minnesota Vikings.

BR’s Kristopher Knox published a list of the most benchable quarterbacks this year, and sadly, Murray made the cut.

Not Everyone Is Sold on the Vikings’ QB1 Solution

Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray celebrates after a rushing touchdown against the Chargers.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray celebrates after scoring a rushing touchdown during a home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at State Farm Stadium. Murray’s mobility remained a central part of Arizona’s offensive identity and playmaking ability. Captured on Oct. 21, 2024, the moment highlights one of the quarterback’s trademark strengths in open space. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images.

BR: Murray Could Be Benched

On a list that included players like Jacoby Brissett and Geno Smith, Murray got benchable treatment. Knox wrote, “According to ESPN’s Kevin Seifert, Murray currently leads the competition, and the gap between the quarterbacks is ‘not close.’ Murray is a dynamic dual-threat and was a Pro Bowler early in his career with Arizona.”

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“He should give Minnesota a boost at quarterback this season, and at 28 years old, he could potentially become a long-term answer for Minnesota. However, there’s no guarantee that Murray will do either of those things. He never showed consistency as a passer with the Cardinals — the offense was more effective with Brissett behind center last season — and he has never delivered a playoff win.”

While Murray has never notched a triumph in the postseason, the Vikings haven’t won a playoff game since 2019.

“It’s easy to think that Murray will be better under Kevin O’Connell and with weapons like Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison at his disposal,” Knox continued.

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“If he isn’t, though, Minnesota may eventually give McCarthy another chance to redeem himself. McCarthy, after all, is only two years into his rookie contract, while Murray is only signed through this season.”

Well … Insert for McCarthy for a Sequel

Should Murray get benched, McCarthy would step in, presenting his true shot at redemption. He would need to be prepared, and the Vikings would quickly assess his capabilities. He notably displayed flashes of potential in 2025, particularly in late-game situations. Following Week 14, he was even ranked as the NFL’s sixth-best quarterback per EPA+CPOE.

It’s entirely conceivable that McCarthy could enter, stabilize the offense, and permanently secure the starting position.

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Furthermore, he still has ample time. First-round quarterbacks are eligible for a fifth-year option, and McCarthy will only be 23 this season. If he excels by 2028, Minnesota can exercise that option, maintaining its long-term strategy. It’s one of the distinct advantages of having both Murray and McCarthy: the Vikings gain an immediate upgrade while preserving McCarthy’s potential for an additional three years.

The sole reason for a trade would be if McCarthy himself demanded one. Should he desire to leave, Minnesota would face a decision. Until then, exercising patience remains the most prudent course of action.

In short, if Murray gets benched per the BR speculation, well, the Vikings planned for this, and his name is J.J. McCarthy.

The Murray Price Is Still Worth It

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Murray arrived in Minnesota with a $1.3 million price tag. That’s absurdly affordable. In fact, every team in the NFL should’ve jumped on Murray’s availability, including teams with elite quarterbacks, like the Buffalo Bills and Kansas City Chiefs, solely because the value was just so tremendous.

Kyler Murray warms up before a game against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray warms up before a matchup with the Los Angeles Chargers at State Farm Stadium. Murray entered the contest as one of the league’s most dynamic dual-threat quarterbacks, capable of extending plays with his arm and legs. Photographed on Nov. 27, 2022, the image captures his pregame preparation. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports.

Consider this: if Murray flames out in Minnesota or gets hurt this summer, adding him for $1.3 million was still worth the gamble.

If you believe in sports hacks, this is the grandaddy — obtaining Murray for the veteran minimum. The value gets no better.

Two Other Ex-Vikings on the BR List

Daniel Jones, who stopped by the Vikings in 2024, also made Knox’s list: “Jones, who was recently cleared for 7-on-7 work, will need to replicate his 2025 success. If he can’t, the Colts may try to salvage the season with Richardson — if he’s still on the roster — or Riley Leonard, while keeping an eye on that 2027 QB class. Unfortunately, playing well on a year-to-year basis wasn’t something Jones did during his six seasons with the New York Giants.”

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So did Kirk Cousins, who quarterbacked the Vikings from 2018 to 2023, though a benchable Cousins is to be expected after the Las Vegas Raiders drafted Fernando Mendoza in April.

“Let’s not forget that the Falcons went 5-3 with Cousins as the starter last year and might well have won the NFC South if it had leaned on him all season. If Las Vegas is a surprise playoff team with Cousins at the helm, hold off on passing the proverbial torch,” Knox opined about Cousins.

Kirk Cousins addresses reporters after signing with the Las Vegas Raiders.
Quarterback Kirk Cousins speaks with reporters after signing with the Las Vegas Raiders and reuniting with head coach Klint Kubiak. Cousins discussed his transition to a new team, offensive expectations, and relationships with teammates. Captured on Apr. 6, 2026, the media session marked an important step in his latest NFL chapter. Mandatory Credit: YouTube.

“If the Raiders aren’t in a position to make a run, however, they’ll turn things over to Mendoza once they feel he is prepared to start. As Gagnon put it, the reigning Heisman winner and national champion is “the long-term dude” for Las Vegas.”

Murray will turn 29 in August, and if BR has it wrong about his benchability, he could latch on as the Vikings’ QB1 for the next half-decade-plus.


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Dustin Baker is a novelist and political scientist. His second novel, The Invaders , is out now. So is … More about Dustin Baker
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Sports

White Sox acquire RHP Jose Urquidy in trade with Pirates

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Mar 9, 2026; Tampa, Florida, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Jose Urquidy (65) throws a pitch against the New York Yankees in the third inning during spring training at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn ImagesMar 9, 2026; Tampa, Florida, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Jose Urquidy (65) throws a pitch against the New York Yankees in the third inning during spring training at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

The Chicago White Sox acquired right-hander Jose Urquidy from the Pittsburgh Pirates on Sunday in exchange for minor league pitcher Felix Doroteo.

Pittsburgh designated Urquidy for assignment Friday after he struggled during a brief five-game stint with the Pirates. The 31-year-old went 0-1 with an 8.53 ERA and six strikeouts over 6 1/3 innings out of the bullpen.

Urquidy spent most of the year with Triple-A Indianapolis, posting a 5-4 record and 3.66 ERA across 17 starts. He struck out 73 batters over 83 2/3 innings.

The former Houston Astros starter owns a 27-17 record and 4.07 ERA in 86 major league appearances, including 70 starts, over seven seasons with the Astros, Detroit Tigers and Pirates.

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Urquidy underwent his second Tommy John surgery in 2024 before returning with Detroit last season.

Pittsburgh receives Doroteo, a 21-year-old right-hander in his first professional season. He went 3-2 with a 4.50 ERA and 24 strikeouts in 18 innings across 16 appearances for the Arizona Complex League White Sox.

–Field Level Media

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Rising star Jackson Koivun flexes ‘superpower’ in first pro win

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Mystery WWE NXT Star Makes AAA Debut With Attack on Psycho Clown

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A mystery WWE NXT talent made an explosive first impression at the latest Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide television tapings, laying out one of the promotion’s biggest stars in a shocking angle that left fans with more questions than answers.

AAA held its Verano de Escándalo television tapings on July 25 at Arena San Marcos in Aguascalientes, Mexico, where three weeks of upcoming programming were recorded. During one of the show’s closing moments, a masked man wearing overalls stormed the ring and attacked Psycho Clown. While AAA did not identify the attacker during the segment, details of the angle quickly surfaced following the tapings.

The mystery assailant was revealed to be Drake Morreaux, a WWE developmental talent. Although his identity was kept hidden on camera, his distinctive tattoos, along with comments made during WWE LFG, confirmed that it was Morreaux making his first appearance for AAA.

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You can watch the clip of Morreaux attacking Psycho Clown in the post below:

The debut also brought an end to a mystery that had been unfolding on AAA programming for weeks. An unknown attacker had previously assaulted members of Los Psycho Circus, including Murder Clown, Panic Clown, and Dave the Clown. On the June 27 episode of AAA television, Pagano was found bloodied backstage, while a message reading “Psycho is next!” was left on a locker room mirror. Morreaux’s attack confirmed he was the person behind the string of assaults.

His move to AAA had been teased months earlier during an episode of WWE LFG that aired on May 3. In the segment, Shawn Michaels informed Morreaux that there was no place for him in NXT at that time, but assured him that a major opportunity awaited him in AAA.


Drake Morreaux’s WWE journey before his AAA debut

Drake Morreaux spent close to three years developing his craft under the WWE banner. He trained at the Performance Center and was mentored by The Undertaker on the inaugural season of LFG, where he was viewed as one of the show’s promising prospects.

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Although he gained experience across NXT Level Up, EVOLVE, and numerous live events, Morreaux was never able to establish himself as a regular on weekly NXT programming. His only main roster appearance came on the February 16, 2024, episode of SmackDown, where he teamed with Javier Bernal and faced The Authors of Pain, but it did not lead to a permanent role.

After Shawn Michaels informed him on WWE LFG that there was no immediate place for him in NXT, Morreaux was presented with an opportunity to continue his career in AAA – a move that has now culminated in his surprise debut.

It will be interesting to see what’s next for the 28-year-old star, now that he will work alongside The Undertaker in AAA, who serves as a coach and booker for the brand.