The Minnesota Vikings made one of the most intriguing free agent signings this offseason when they signed quarterback Kyler Murray. Now, franchise legend Cris Carter believes that Murray might change the Vikings offense for the better.

After seven years with the Arizona Cardinals, during which Murray was also selected to two Pro Bowls, Murray joined the Vikings on a one-year, $1.3 million deal. There is still speculation over who will start for the Vikings next season, Murray or J.J. McCarthy. However, Carter believes that Murray could be the key to taking the Vikings' offense to new levels.

“I think he will definitely be the starter, but he will bring an ingredient to the Vikings offense that we haven’t had in years, and that’s a guy who is built to run,” said Carter.

Carter, who made an appearance on the NFL Network, hosted by NFL analysts Tom Pelissero and Ian Rapoport, also mentioned how Murray’s ability is something that the Vikings need.

“When you look at the top quarterbacks now, every other one is a dual threat,” said Carter. “When everything breaks down on third down, you have a guy who can get you a first down. And that’s what Kyler can do.”

Murray, throughout his career, has been one of the best quarterbacks when it comes to rushing. Murray has had 532 carries for 3,186 yards and 32 touchdowns just from rushing. Add to it 2,941 total passing yards and an average pass completion rate of 68.55 over the last two seasons, and Murray provides a dual threat like none other in Vikings history.

While Murray provides something new for the Vikings, one NFL analyst believes that Murray’s induction into the Vikings offense might not be as smooth as expected.

Murray might take time to adjust to the Vikings’ offense, according to an NFL analyst

While many might argue that Murray would have a much better season as the starting quarterback than J.J. McCarthy, Murray’s fit in head coach Kevin O’Connell’s system could prove detrimental, according to ClutchPoints’ Steve Silverman.

“Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell likes to have his quarterbacks work from under center, and Murray is not familiar with that role,” wrote Silverman. “McCarthy is more familiar with taking snaps under center, and that could allow him to have a slight advantage when O’Connell and the coaching staff observe how each quarterback performs.”

According to Silverman,  despite Murray being an excellent athlete who also possesses great arm strength, due to Murray having played a lot of his snaps in the shotgun formation with the Cardinals, Murray has a disadvantage in that aspect. 

However, Silverman still believes that Murray will get the starting nod over McCarthy and that McCarthy would have to improve a lot in order to get the starting role over him. 

The competition for the starting quarterback role for the Vikings will definitely be something to look at during the offseason.

Do you think Murray can learn the offense quickly and become the starting quarterback for the Vikings? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!

Written by

Dhruv Vishnu Nair