The NFL MVP conversation is dominated by familiar quarterback names such as Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson, and Patrick Mahomes. However, one analyst predicts a former No.1 overall to emerge as a surprise contender.

According to Bleacher Report’s Brad Gagnon’s list of under-the-radar candidates for MVP, Vikings’ Kyler Murray was named. Murray currently has +4000 odds of winning the award, and Gagnon believes that the change of scenery could prove to be helpful.

“Murray-who still has to fend off J.J. McCarthy- was a Pro Bowler in 2020 and 2021 but hasn’t been near an All-Pro conversation since,” wrote Gagnon. “This is Minnesota, where he’ll have a superior offensive line and will be throwing to arguably the NFL’s best receiver in Justin Jefferson.”

However, Gagnon also explained how the Vikings could potentially help fulfill Murray’s potential.

“The 28-year-old has missed a large portion of three of his last four seasons and was kicked to the curb by the Cardinals after a disappointing seven-year tenure,” added Gagnon in his list. “A new setting under Kevin O’Connell could enable the 2019 No.1 overall pick to finally live up to his unique and considerable talent in his age-29 season.”

MVP voters heavily favor high-volume passers who post yardage and touchdown totals. Minnesota’s run-heavy scheme under Kevin O’Connell, built around a strong ground game, could cap Murray’s passing attempts and stats, making his path to MVP consideration even tougher despite the talent upgrade.

Murray has played 87 games in 7 years and has 20,460 passing yards, 121 touchdowns, and 60 interceptions at a career pass completion rate of 67.1% and a 92.2 passer rating. Murray also has an impressive 3,193 rushing yards and 32 rushing touchdowns, showcasing an ability to be effective in both aspects.

However, one other quarterback could factor into the Vikings’ decision on who will have the starting job for next season.

Murray's Path to the Starting Job Is Not Guaranteed

After signing Kyler Murray, tensions have been high surrounding the starting quarterback role with J.J. McCarthy. However, the decision as to who to start could be based on QB Max Brosmer.

The undrafted free agent did not impress when he played in the 2025 season and would not be part of the 53-man roster projection by The Athletic. However, they also noted that head coach O’Connell still thought highly of Brosmer. 

Will Ragatz of Sports Illustrated, however, had called Brosmer "as smart as any young player that I've been around" after last year's minicamp. The Vikings also have Carson Wentz in their quarterback room, who could be assigned to their practice squad.

However, with O’Connell really liking Brosmer, there could be a move that happens sooner rather than later in the Vikings’ quarterback room. We will have to see whether it is to trade away McCarthy or release Brosmer or Wentz.

What are your opinions on the Vikings’ quarterback situation? Let us know in the comments!

For all Lions updates, follow the Detroit Lions Community!

Written by

Dhruv Vishnu Nair

Edited by

Zaid Quraishi