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Vikings QB Move Is Getting Buzz as a Top Value Play

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Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell at the New York Giants in 2025.
Dec 21, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell during the first half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images

There was only one question people really wanted answered this offseason when it came to the Minnesota Vikings: the Big Vikings QB Decision. We finally got our answer when Kyler Murray was signed. And now that decision is being hailed as one of the best value moves of the offseason.

The Murray Move Is Drawing Value Praise

Injuries and poor play at QB derailed the Vikings’ 2025 season, and entering the 2026 season with just JJ McCarthy and Max Brosmer wasn’t going to cut it. The Vikings raised their ceiling by signing Murray, and doing so to a one-year, $1.3 million contract brings very little downside. He might not have lived up to his first-overall draft pick status, but he is a highly capable quarterback with seven seasons in the league as a starter.

Vikings QB Kyler Murray
Quarterback Kyler Murray sits in the front row as Jonathan Gannon is introduced as the new head coach of the Arizona Cardinals during a news conference at the Cardinals training facility in Tempe on Feb. 16, 2023.
Nfl New Arizona Cardinals Head Coach Jonathan Gannon. © Rob Schumacher/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK.

Adding a player like that to your QB room at a basement price while another franchise is forced to pick up the tab after the Arizona Cardinals released him is excellent work from the Vikings. The great value is undeniable, which is why Murray’s move to Minnesota made the list for Pro Football Focus’ best value signings of the 2026 free agency.

PFF Gives the Vikings QB Move a Strong Endorsement

PFF put forward their best value signings of free agency. Murray was on there alongside Tariq Woolen, signing for the Philadelphia Eagles, Devin Bush, signing for the Chicago Bears, Rasheed Walker, signing for the Carolina Panthers, and Jaylinn Hawkins, signing for the Baltimore Ravens. Here is what PFF had to say about Murray and the Vikings.

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Releasing Kyler Murray with a post-June 1 designation meant the Cardinals were able to spread his dead cap hit across the next two seasons. But that only marginally softens the blow for Arizona, which is still saddled with a $47.5 million dead cap charge in 2026 (15.4% of the cap).

Additionally, due to offsets stemming from Murray’s release, the Vikings were able to pick up the former first-overall pick at the veteran minimum, leaving the Cardinals to pay the remainder of his guarantees next season (over $35 million).

There is virtually no downside to adding a highly capable option to your quarterback room at a basement price while another franchise is forced to pick up the tab. While Murray hasn’t lived up to his lofty billing,

Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell has a strong track record for quarterback development (see: Sam Darnold). If O’Connell can bring the best out of Murray, this signing could morph into a long-term affair. The Vikings need viable options at quarterback after ranking 31st in PFF passing grade (47.6) this past season. Put plainly, running it back with J.J. McCarthy (60.1 PFF passing grade, 35th out of 43 qualifying quarterbacks) and Carson Wentz(50.0, 40th) isn’t going to cut it. Don’t be surprised if Murray wins the job in camp. 

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It’s difficult to argue that the Vikings aren’t getting good value here, even if you aren’t a big fan of Murray. You won’t get a better QB for such a little outlay. Understandably, the praise for this move from the Vikings has been coming in from all angles.

The Long-Term Vision

Murray got a no-franchise-tag clause in his contract, meaning this season is almost a dress rehearsal for both parties ahead of a big decision in a year. If Murray can have Darnold-like success playing for Kevin O’Connell, then the Vikings can’t make the same mistake twice. Murray will be on track for a big deal in 2027. If it doesn’t work out, then it costs Minnesota basically nothing to find out.

Sep 25, 2022; Glendale, Ariz., U.S.; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) is grabbed by Los Angeles Rams linebacker Leonard Floyd (54) during the second quarter at State Farm Stadium. Nfl Los Angeles Rams At Arizona Cardinals

The Vikings will then reassess McCarthy’s status and decide whether to take another look at a QB in the draft or pursue a different veteran passer.

Murray should be good enough to succeed on this team, and as long as he stays healthy, I expect we will be talking about a contract extension in due course.


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Proud UK Viking. Family Man. Enjoy writing about my team. Away from football an advocate for autism acceptance.

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New Vikings Rumors Build around Kirk Cousins to Packers, the KOC-Kwesi Theory, D.J. Reader

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Jaire Alexander sacks Kirk Cousins in the end zone for a safety at U.S. Bank Stadium
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) is taken down in his own end zone by Green Bay Packers cornerback Jaire Alexander (23) for a safety during second-quarter action, as pressure collapses quickly around the pocket on Sep. 13, 2020, at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports.

The NFL Draft is 26 days away, and the Minnesota Vikings have nine picks. With the event so close, the rumor mill stays quite loud, and this is the first batch of the weekend.

The rumor mill hit Kirk Cousins, KOC, and D.J. Reader in one swing.

It focuses on a former Vikings quarterback’s connection to a rival, a hypothesis about what got Kwesi Adofo-Mensah fired, and a defensive tackle option in free agency.

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Latest Vikings Chatter Covers Three Very Different Angles

The Purple Rumor Mill for Saturday, March 28th.

Kirk Cousins stands on the sideline watching play during a Falcons vs Vikings game. Vikings rumors.
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins (18) watches from the sideline during second-quarter action, tracking the flow of the game against his former team as emotions and familiarity intersect on Dec. 8, 2024, at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota, with the Vikings controlling key moments throughout the matchup. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images.

Rumor: Kirk Cousins is an ideal free-agent fit for the Packers.

Matt Schneidman of The Athletic analyzed free agents for Green Bay this week, and Cousins was mentioned.

He explained, “Aaron Rodgers, Jordan Love and Malik Willis have all been backup quarterbacks for the Packers. All three could be starting in the NFL come September. Green Bay really values the position, which might make it unlikely that Desmond Ridder or Kyle McCord — the only other quarterbacks on the roster besides Love — are in the No. 2 role come Week 1.”

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“The idea of adding a proven veteran like Cousins, who can at least help the Packers tread water if Love goes down, might entice head coach Matt LaFleur. Cousins might (understandably) want to sign with a team whose starter is less entrenched than Love, but perhaps the idea of reuniting with his position coach from his first two years in the NFL (LaFleur) entices him, too.”

Green Bay has also visited the recent rumor mill for an Anthony Richardson trade.

Either way, because of the Matt LaFleur connection — LaFleur was Cousins’s first quarterback coach in Washington 14 years ago — Cousins to Wisconsin cannot be ruled out.

Rumor: Kevin O’Connell was denied every step of the way last offseason at quarterback.

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Mike Florio, the boss at Pro Football Talk, led the way with this theory last week.

He said, “As I understand it, O’Connell got overruled. He wanted to have Sam Darnold or Daniel Jones or Aaron Rodgers, and he got overruled. They said no to Rodgers. Rodgers wanted to play for them last year, and they said no. They’re sticking with J.J. McCarthy. And Jones is really the one that I think gulled O’Connell the most, because I think they thought they had something special with Jones.”

“They fired the GM because he had Sam Darnold, Daniel Jones, and an interested Aaron Rodgers in the building, and he said,” No, we’re good with J.J. McCarthy, and Max Brosmer and Carson Wentz are gonna be his backups. They’re not going to make the same mistake twice.”

This one actually makes sense, especially for explaining the timing of Adofo-Mensah’s firing — five days after the Seattle Seahawks reached the Super Bowl, led by Darnold.

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Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and Kevin O’Connell speak at a Vikings press conference. Vikings rumors.
Minnesota Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and head coach Kevin O’Connell address media members, outlining expectations and roster outlook during a pre-training camp press conference held on July 22, 2025, as both leaders discuss team direction, player development, and goals entering another pivotal NFL season. Image Courtesy of YouTube.

Darnold silenced his doubters in Seattle, proving his strong 2024 season in Minnesota was no fluke. He led the Seahawks to a Super Bowl victory in 2025, a feat the Vikings have been chasing for 65 years.

In Indianapolis, Jones emerged as an early MVP candidate before his performance waned in November. A torn Achilles tendon cut his season short, and despite this, rumors surfaced that Minnesota hoped to bring him back in 2025. Ultimately, Jones chose to try the Colts, betting on a starting role under Shane Steichen — a decision that proved prescient.

Meanwhile, Rodgers guided the Steelers to the playoffs, though their run ended in the first round, marking the end of Mike Tomlin’s tenure. Despite the early exit, Pittsburgh secured a playoff berth, while Minnesota narrowly missed out.

If Florio is correct, every quarterback option O’Connell wanted would have led to success.

Rumor: The Vikings should sign DT D.J. Reader.

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Reader got the shoulder tap from Bleacher Report‘s Kristopher Knox on a late-March free-agent list, and he claimed that Reader should pick the Vikings or Dallas Cowboys for his 2026 plan.

DJ Reader lines up on the defensive line during a Lions vs Eagles game. Vikings rumors.
Detroit Lions defensive tackle DJ Reader (98) lines up at the line of scrimmage, preparing for the snap and engaging the interior during defensive action against the Philadelphia Eagles on Nov. 16, 2025, at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, as trench battles shape the tone of the game. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images.

Knox explained, “D.J. Reader will turn 32 this summer and isn’t the sort of attacking interior pass-rusher that many teams want at defensive tackle. However, he remains a high-end starter, a legitimate force against the run, and a very durable defender. Reader would be a great addition for the Dallas Cowboys, who traded away Osa Odighizuwa and Solomon Thomas.”

“He could serve as a run-stuffing specialist behind Kenny Clark and Quinnen Williams to help boost a defense that allowed 4.7 yards per carry in 2025. The Minnesota Vikings should also take a long look at their former division rival. Minnesota released defensive tackles Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave in cap-saving moves earlier this offseason. Best Fits: Dallas Cowboys, Minnesota Vikings.”

Reader is a damn steady defensive tackle, similar to former Vikings defender Dalvin Tomlinson of yesteryear. He would look great in purple for a couple of seasons. Minnesota almost never showcases a true nose tackle. That would change with Reader.


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Jaxson Dart admits having whirlwind romance with Marissa Ayers, 1 week after posing in pilgrim outfit for model gf

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Jaxson Dart opened up about his whirlwind romance with girlfriend Marissa Ayers. The New York Giants quarterback has been dating the fashion model for around six months now.

They met in October, and their romance blossomed quickly. Last week, Dart appeared at the Clarins Night of Extra on March 20, where he opened up about his relationship with Ayers and discussed their fast-moving connection in an interview with People magazine.

“She’s been amazing. I mean, I can’t say good enough things about her,” Ayers said (via PEOPLE). “Things have come around so fast between us.

“It’s really cool when you have two people who are independent what they do, but at the same time… are each other’s biggest cheerleaders. She’s amazing and she’s going to do amazing things, so I can’t wait to support her,” she added.

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Before the event, Jaxson Dart made headlines after his girlfriend, Marissa Ayers, shared a glimpse of their romantic outing on her Instagram account last week. She shared a few romantic photos with the NFL star with a sweet caption

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“in our own little world,” she wrote.

For the outing, Jaxson Dart wore a black coat with a white collar. He paired it with white shoes and posed with his girlfriend, who wore a black dress.

Dart was trolled for his outfit, with fans saying it looked like he dressed for a pilgrimage. Even LSU Tigers coach Lane Kiffin poked fun at his outfit and reacted to it with a laughing emoji.

Also Read: Jaxson Dart’s GF Marissa Ayers seemingly drops major relationship update with Giants QB


Jaxson Dart shuts down the trolls

Jaxson Dart opened up about his pilgrim robe outfit at the Clarins Night of Extra event last week. While talking to reporters, he was asked for his take. The 22-year-old shut down the trolls with his reply.

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“I thought it was a great fit,” he said. “I think, I can understand a little bit because it was a Celine outfit. The shirt kind of blended in with the pants but it was a great fit. I definitely do not regret wearing it.”

“I think there’s a lot of people who have opinions about fashion and I think that’s a great thing about this world. You’re able to wear what you want to wear confidently and I love it.”

Jaxson Dart is enjoying the offseason after his amazing rookie season. He played in 14 games in 2025 and recorded 2,272 passing yards.

Also Read: Jaxson Dart’s GF Marissa Ayers responds after QB gets ridiculed for pilgrim robe outfit