Former NFL GM makes bold Kyler Murray prediction, and it says everything about Kevin O’Connell

The 2026 season is going to be crucial for the Minnesota Vikings, and it could hinge on quarterback Kyler Murray.

Tyler Forness — NFL & College Football News Writer
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Oct 5, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) makes a throw against the Tennessee Titans during the fourth quarter at State Farm Stadium.
Oct 5, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) makes a throw against the Tennessee Titans during the fourth quarter at State Farm Stadium. Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images

One of the biggest storylines for the 2026 Minnesota Vikings is focused on the health of the quarterback position.

Head coach Kevin O’Connell is going into his fifth season, and hasn’t had the best luck. Two of his four seasons with the Vikings have forced him to start at least three quarterbacks. Injuries were brutal in 2023 and 2025, with a littany of starting quarterbacks in those seasons.

  • Kirk Cousins
  • Jaren Hall
  • Josh Dobbs
  • Nick Mullens
  • J.J. McCarthy
  • Carson Wentz
  • Max Brosmer

Kyler Murray predicted to win award

If the Vikings can finally get some consistency at the quarterback position, they can make a run in 2026. The 2025 version of the team won nine games despite having abysmal quarterback play, and bringing that up to average could vault the Vikings into an NFC North championship.

Kyler Murray was brought in with that in mind. In theory, Murray will either lead the Vikings to a successful season or spur McCarthy to win the starting job and become the player everyone thought he could be.

The idea that Murray could lead the Vikings back to the promised land is one that many share, and ESPN’s Mike Tannenbaum thinks he will win comeback player of the year.

Murray steps into an ideal system with coach Kevin O’Connell and receivers Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison. I think the Vikings can go 11-6, clinch the NFC North and win a playoff game with the former Cardinals QB at the helm.

Former NFL GM Mike Tannenbaum

It’s interesting to project Murray to win the award, and it has little to do with the player himself. There are a lot of interesting players who will be eligible for the award. Patrick Mahomes, Bo Nix, and Malik Nabers are three big stars in the league who will also compete for the award. It also speaks volumes about the trust that many have in O’Connell, who is viewed as an offensive genius despite nevery having an offense ranking higher than 8th.

If Murray can thrive with the likes of Jefferson and Addison, the sky is the limit. He’s never had this kind of talent to work with before, and it could launch the Vikings to another stratosphere if he gets back to living up to his first overall billing.

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