Vikings sign Kyler Murray
(Eagan, MN/Minnesota News Network) — The Minnesota Vikings are shaking up their quarterback room in a big way. The team has officially signed former number-one overall pick Kyler Murray, bringing the two-time Pro Bowler to Minnesota after his release from Arizona. Murray has played in 87 career N-F-L games and has thrown for 20,460 yards, 121 touchdowns, and 60 interceptions, completing 67-percent of his passes. He’s also one of the league’s most dangerous dual-threat quarterbacks, adding over 3,000 rushing yards and multiple seasons with double-digit rushing touchdowns. Murray says he grew up a fan of the Vikings and is excited to be part of the franchise. Murray won the 2018 Heisman Trophy while playing for Oklahoma and was the top pick in the 2019 N-F-L Draft.
Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell says the team isn’t ready to name a starting quarterback after officially signing Kyler Murray to a one-year deal yesterday. O’Connell told reporters he’s excited to add a player of Murray’s caliber, but emphasized that no decision will be made on who starts this fall. O’Connell says the Vikings targeted a veteran quarterback early in the offseason, and landing Murray-an ultra-talented former number-one pick-gives the team exactly the kind of competition they wanted in the quarterback room. Murray arrives on a one-year, veteran minimum contract, with Arizona still paying the bulk of his guaranteed salary. As for J-J McCarthy, O’Connell made it clear the young quarterback remains a major part of the team’s plans. He sidestepped naming a starter, saying there’s no need to make that call in mid-March. Instead, O’Connell says he expects a full competition through training camp and the preseason. The Vikings have long believed McCarthy would benefit from having an experienced quarterback alongside him, especially after last season’s injuries forced the team to rely on inexperienced depth. Murray now fills that role-while also pushing for the starting job himself. O’Connell says he’s confident both quarterbacks will elevate the offense, and he’s looking forward to seeing how the competition plays out once the team hits the field.
