Which QB takes the majority of snaps for the Vikings in the 2026 season?

[Gopher_In_NYC]

Can only vote for one and you can’t change it.
Who yah got?

I’m going with Murray.

 

[bonin21]

What a shit show to even need a poll like this with that money options.

 

[Spaulding!No!]

Brosmer. I’d love to see it. His Seattle game was the worst nfl reg season qb performance I have ever seen.

 

[Gophers1992]

Dream answer would be Burrow, somewhat possible but unlikely answer that I would like is Murray, actual answer unfortunately is JJ.

 

[Ogie Ogilthorpe]

I'm all in on JJ McCarthy, unapologetically. I know I'm in the minority but I like what I have seen to this point.

I have to believe that SOMEONE is beating into his skull this offseason that he needs to avoid the big hits. I think it's a skill that can be learned, but we'll see.

Throw rocks at me if you wish, this is where I'm at. Kid just turned 23 a couple of weeks ago. He's played 10 games in the NFL and typically you want to see a good 20 before making a full assessment.

 

[GFBfan]

With you on that Ogie.
There's a fine line between confidence and cockiness and this past season he crossed it at the start of the year. Injuries and some poor play hopefully knocked that out of him.
If he can stay healthy, I think he is going to have a really good year. He's got all the tools, a hopefully healthy OL and a great set of weapons.

 

[Gopher_In_NYC]

Interesting article in Heavy where it’s speculated that Murray will be cut outright -

“I think it probably makes it more likely that Arizona just flat‑out has to move off of him, cut him, and let him go to the market,” Si’s Albert Breer added. “I think he will find a place that will view him as that reclamation project. Maybe it’s Minnesota, maybe it’s the Jets. We’ll see.


“But I think the contract situation makes it a little harder for the Cardinals to hang on to him and a little harder for the Cardinals to trade him, which makes it more likely that they’ll cut him.”

---

Kyler Murray Would Benefit From a Change of Scenary​

Amid a link to the Vikings, ESPN’s Field Yates believes that Murray would benefit from a change of scenario.

“He’s got plenty of talent,” Yates said on the Feb. 12 edition of “NFL Live.” “There was a year in which it was past the halfway point, and we were talking about Kyler Murray as the MVP frontrunner. Let’s be clear, though, this feels like one where a change of scenery is best for all parties involved. Kyler, I think, would be happier with an opportunity to restart his career somewhere else.”

 

[Ogie Ogilthorpe]

Interesting article in Heavy where it’s speculated that Murray will be cut outright -

“I think it probably makes it more likely that Arizona just flat‑out has to move off of him, cut him, and let him go to the market,” Si’s Albert Breer added. “I think he will find a place that will view him as that reclamation project. Maybe it’s Minnesota, maybe it’s the Jets. We’ll see.


“But I think the contract situation makes it a little harder for the Cardinals to hang on to him and a little harder for the Cardinals to trade him, which makes it more likely that they’ll cut him.”

---

Kyler Murray Would Benefit From a Change of Scenary​

Amid a link to the Vikings, ESPN’s Field Yates believes that Murray would benefit from a change of scenario.

“He’s got plenty of talent,” Yates said on the Feb. 12 edition of “NFL Live.” “There was a year in which it was past the halfway point, and we were talking about Kyler Murray as the MVP frontrunner. Let’s be clear, though, this feels like one where a change of scenery is best for all parties involved. Kyler, I think, would be happier with an opportunity to restart his career somewhere else.”

I would expect the Jets to go pretty hard after Murray? Or even Miami?

The thing about Murray you have to know going in is that it just doesn't seem like he loves football. I think I heard the other day that former teammates were flat out telling people with the Jets (and/or other teams?) to maybe stay away, that he just doesn't love playing the game. I don't know if that's something you grow out of or someone can coach into you.

Immensely talented, rocket arm, obviously really good on the move, but he's got that rep. I'm sure a lot of people remember this but when he signed the big deal, there was originally a frickin' clause in there that he had to study film, etc for "X" number of hours each week. The agent made it public, the Cardinals somehow ended up kind of taking a black eye on it and ultimately removed the clause from the contract. THAT's how bad it was.

Legendary video gamer by all accounts, possibly more interested in playing video games than playing NFL QB. I wouldn't hate seeing him in purple, but at what cost? I don't know

 

[Gophers1992]

I would expect the Jets to go pretty hard after Murray? Or even Miami?

The thing about Murray you have to know going in is that it just doesn't seem like he loves football. I think I heard the other day that former teammates were flat out telling people with the Jets (and/or other teams?) to maybe stay away, that he just doesn't love playing the game. I don't know if that's something you grow out of or someone can coach into you.

Immensely talented, rocket arm, obviously really good on the move, but he's got that rep. I'm sure a lot of people remember this but when he signed the big deal, there was originally a frickin' clause in there that he had to study film, etc for "X" number of hours each week. The agent made it public, the Cardinals somehow ended up kind of taking a black eye on it and ultimately removed the clause from the contract. THAT's how bad it was.

Legendary video gamer by all accounts, possibly more interested in playing video games than playing NFL QB. I wouldn't hate seeing him in purple, but at what cost? I don't know

No doubt that a Murray signing/trade could blow up in the Vikings face, but at this point I'd rather swing for the fences than go with a low upside "safe" guy.

 

[Ogie Ogilthorpe]

No doubt that a Murray signing/trade could blow up in the Vikings face, but at this point I'd rather swing for the fences than go with a low upside "safe" guy.

I mean, at this point everything boils down to what they really think of JJM. With KAM gone, I'm sure none of us really knows the answer to that.

I have no clue what the number for someone like Murray would be. My understanding is it's NOT going to be a Russell Wilson-type situation where if the Cardinals cut him and eat the salary, the Vikings (or anyone) could sign him for $1M or something. I'd be shocked if the number for a Tua or Murray (both could be good competition for JJM in camp) were less than $20M

I'll say this, and y'all will throw rocks at me for this, I'm sure; If they believe in JJM at all, I would really struggle with spending $20M+ on a backup QB for a team that won't have a shitton of money to waste.

(Here's the part where you throw rocks at me) I'd rather see them spend $1.5M on Carson Wentz (again, depending on what tey think of him, or someone like him) and sign an All-Pro Center like Tyler Lindenbaum if they're going to spend $20M wisely. AAV number for Lindenbaum is looking around $17-$18M, although he'll be chased by at least half a dozen teams

I guess the bottom line I'm getting at is people need to temper their expectations. The Vikings are almost certainly not getting a high caliber competitor for JJM for like $5-$8M. That's just not happening.

 

[Gopher_In_NYC]

I would expect the Jets to go pretty hard after Murray?

If I’m Murray, that’s the last place I wanna go.
QBs go there to die

Or even Miami?

Better team and South Beach

The thing about Murray you have to know going in is that it just doesn't seem like he loves football. I think I heard the other day that former teammates were flat out telling people with the Jets (and/or other teams?) to maybe stay away, that he just doesn't love playing the game. I don't know if that's something you grow out of or someone can coach into you.

He’s 27 now, so maybe as he ekes towards 30, he’s ready to renew his focus

Immensely talented, rocket arm, obviously really good on the move, but he's got that rep. I'm sure a lot of people remember this but when he signed the big deal, there was originally a frickin' clause in there that he had to study film, etc for "X" number of hours each week. The agent made it public, the Cardinals somehow ended up kind of taking a black eye on it and ultimately removed the clause from the contract. THAT's how bad it was.

I remember that whole melodrama, but need to know 1000% he’s not that guy and since it’s Jett’s team, maybe he’ll be willing to be a professional like Justin.

Legendary video gamer by all accounts, possibly more interested in playing video games than playing NFL QB. I wouldn't hate seeing him in purple, but at what cost?

Per Lewis’s, these are his numbers-

This complicates the pursuit of a player such as Murray, who has a $36.8 million base salary for 2026 and a $19.5 million guaranteed salary for 2027.

If he’s cut, it’ll be a post June cut, do no draft capital. I think if they feel he’s the guy, they need to trade and resolve it before then, so they don’t lose out again as they did with Daniel Jones, and trade a 4 or 5th for him.

don't know

As I wrote before, the fact that we had a SB winning QB in house, who was allowed to leave, must be embarrassing and piss the Wilfs off no end; my guess is Kweisi wanted to roll with JJ, as I can’t believe doc would allow that rocket launcher to leave.

Lewis also wrote extensively about Jett’s being a good soldier thus season, buy he seemed to imply he won’t have the patience again this season with substandard QB play.

Also with the slow drip of articles/info of JJ not ready to be the guy yet coming out, it seems to me, that someone else will be QB1, at least for this season to start the year.

I think they’re swinging for the fences

 

[Gopher_In_NYC]

Can’t find the Stroud piece, buy McShay proposed JJ, 26 & 27 first rounder for CJ.

I can see JJ abd the 27 first rounder as more realistic.

 

[Ogie Ogilthorpe]

As I wrote before, the fact that we had a SB winning QB in house, who was allowed to leave, must be embarrassing and piss the Wilfs off no end; my guess is Kweisi wanted to roll with JJ, as I can’t believe doc would allow that rocket launcher to leave.

Darnold was Darnold for most of the season. He's a SB-winning QB almost the same as Brad Johnson was a SB-winning QB. For anyone watching down the stretch, he wasn't awesome in the playoffs and in more than one of those games, Klint Kubiak (Go Raiders!) did everything he could to take the ball OUT of Darnold's hands, especially in the SB when Darnold was throwing it all over the building early in the game

Can’t find the Stroud piece, buy McShay proposed JJ, 26 & 27 first rounder for CJ.

I can see JJ abd the 27 first rounder as more realistic.

No way on Stroud, at least for me. Not even a decision. Woof.... he's not the answer, certainly not good enough to give up any serious assets for him.

Like any other similar situation to this, it all starts with one basic question; if he's a legit franchise QB, why would Houston move him?

Hard PASS

 

[howeda7]

Can’t find the Stroud piece, buy McShay proposed JJ, 26 & 27 first rounder for CJ.

I can see JJ abd the 27 first rounder as more realistic.

WTF. I wouldn't give them a 1st round pick alone for Stroud. I'm not sure I'd even trade JJ for him straight-up unless they can make the cap #'s equal.

 

[Gopher_In_NYC]

Darnold was Darnold for most of the season. He's a SB-winning QB almost the same as Brad Johnson was a SB-winning QB. For anyone watching down the stretch, he wasn't awesome in the playoffs and in more than one of those games, Klint Kubiak (Go Raiders!) did everything he could to take the ball OUT of Darnold's hands, especially in the SB when Darnold was throwing it all over the building early in the game.

I think this says more about Walker’s ability/controlling the clock than Darnold’s “limitations”

No way on Stroud, at least for me. Not even a decision. Woof.... he's not the answer, certainly not good enough to give up any serious assets for him.

Like any other similar situation to this, it all starts with one basic question; if he's a legit franchise QB, why would Houston move him?

They may not be sold on him, especially since they’ll have to extend him soon IIRC; I’m more concerned with KOC evaluation, than Houston’s.

As noted this isn’t something I proposed, rather something I posted from a talking head who conjured it up as a possibility before they would have to extend Stroud for major $.

Hard PASS

 

[Gopher_In_NYC]

WTF. I wouldn't give them a 1st round pick alone for Stroud. I'm not sure I'd even trade JJ for him straight-up unless they can make the cap #'s equal.

From my understanding, he’s still on his rookie deal.

Don’t shoot the messenger

 

[Ogie Ogilthorpe]

I think this says more about Walker’s ability/controlling the clock than Darnold’s “limitations”

Possibly. At least one pod I listened to talked about how Kubiak took the ball out of Darnold's hands in a handful of games down the stretch, not just the SB. I mean, he was all over the place early in the SB. A borderline miracle that he didn't turn it over

They may not be sold on him, especially since they’ll have to extend him soon IIRC; I’m more concerned with KOC evaluation, than Houston’s.

As noted this isn’t something I proposed, rather something I posted from a talking head who conjured it up as a possibility before they would have to extend Stroud for major $.

Nope, I get it. No bad ideas here, this is the place for throwing all kinds of that shit. It's February, what else can we do?

 

[Ogie Ogilthorpe]

I haven't had a chance to watch his full YouTube clip on this but some strong words of caution from Warren Sharp on Kyler Murray. Sharp runs one of the more prominent NFL gambling resources websites there is, he generally has some incredible statistical analysis on what he's talking about. That doesn't mean he knows more than NFL GM's but I'm curious to watch this later today when I get a minute...

 

[Ogie Ogilthorpe]

A few weeks left to go (probably) but kinda sorta hearing from a few different people at the combine who cover the Cardinals and the NFL and it's sounding more and more like the Cardinals will not be able to find a taker for Kyler Murray in a trade and they'll have to cut him.

Not a good look for the Cardinals Front Office but for anyone wanting to pick up Murray, that's obviously good news

 

[Slim Tubby]

A few weeks left to go (probably) but kinda sorta hearing from a few different people at the combine who cover the Cardinals and the NFL and it's sounding more and more like the Cardinals will not be able to find a taker for Kyler Murray in a trade and they'll have to cut him.

Not a good look for the Cardinals Front Office but for anyone wanting to pick up Murray, that's obviously good news

If they cut Murray, do they just pay him the balance of his guaranteed money and then he becomes a free agent?

 

[Ogie Ogilthorpe]

If they cut Murray, do they just pay him the balance of his guaranteed money and then he becomes a free agent?

I don't know exactly what the Cardinals have to pay him but the Vikings could just sign him for the league minimum. Which would be huge. The consensus among everyone on the planet is that every QB that has any options at all wants to play for Minnesota (among the teams not set at QB).

Basically, if someone like the Jets wants Murray, they should trade for him and eliminate the risk of Murray going somewhere else. The Vikings are probably in a position where they don't have to give up draft capital for Murray, I'm guessing they think if they want Murray, he'll sign with them over everyone else. The money for Murray, if he's cut, will be the same no matter where he signs.

I keep thinking of what the HC interviews for the Cardinals would have been like. Did they give candidates the chance to say they could make it work with Murray, or that they would prefer to go a different route? Or did they tell candidates from the jump, we're not keeping Murray, so knowing that, What is your plan?

 

[Gopher_In_NYC]

I haven't had a chance to watch his full YouTube clip on this but some strong words of caution from Warren Sharp on Kyler Murray. Sharp runs one of the more prominent NFL gambling resources websites there is, he generally has some incredible statistical analysis on what he's talking about. That doesn't mean he knows more than NFL GM's but I'm curious to watch this later today when I get a minute...

Interesting data from a dude with questionable facial hair

The questions it brings to me mind are, if and how much are those numbers skewed by-

The offensive scheme being used?

The separation being created by the receivers?

EDIT -How much does their offensive line’s ability protect Murray affect his completion % down the field?

 

[Ogie Ogilthorpe]

Interesting data from a dude with questionable facial hair

I know, that porn stache has got to go. He's getting some bad advice somewhere

The questions it brings to me mind are, if and how much are those numbers skewed by-

The offensive scheme being used?

The separation being created by the receivers?

EDIT -How much does their offensive line’s ability protect Murray affect his completion % down the field?

All this is true, and that's why I prefaced it with saying that Sharp is a data guy, a numbers guy; I mean, a gambling guy really. He's not a Front Office guy and those folks might think entirely differently

 

[BleedGopher]

Minnesota Vikings​

Predicted 2026 starter: Kirk Cousins

The Vikings managed 14 wins in 2024 with a quarterback (Darnold) who ranked only 14th in QBR. While they won't always have a defense as dominant as that team had, I have to imagine Minnesota is hankering for palatable quarterback play.

J.J. McCarthy's performance last season did not indicate he could deliver it. Given how Minnesota let its known quantity in Darnold walk out the door in favor of McCarthy, I suspect coach Kevin O'Connell will want to go back to known, solid production. And Cousins represents that. The veteran quarterback was playing some of the best ball in his career with the Vikings in 2023 prior to suffering an Achilles injury. Cousins wasn't the same with Atlanta, though he did play well at the end of last season.

The Falcons are expected to release Cousins. Once they do, the Vikings might take him back.

Predicting all 32 NFL starting quarterbacks for 2026 season

Will Kirk Cousins go back to Minnesota? Could Kyler Murray join the AFC? Let's predict who will start for every NFL team in the 2026 season.

www.espn.com

Skol Vikes!!

 

[Gopher_In_NYC]

Minnesota Vikings​

Predicted 2026 starter: Kirk Cousins

The Vikings managed 14 wins in 2024 with a quarterback (Darnold) who ranked only 14th in QBR. While they won't always have a defense as dominant as that team had, I have to imagine Minnesota is hankering for palatable quarterback play.

J.J. McCarthy's performance last season did not indicate he could deliver it. Given how Minnesota let its known quantity in Darnold walk out the door in favor of McCarthy, I suspect coach Kevin O'Connell will want to go back to known, solid production. And Cousins represents that. The veteran quarterback was playing some of the best ball in his career with the Vikings in 2023 prior to suffering an Achilles injury. Cousins wasn't the same with Atlanta, though he did play well at the end of last season.

The Falcons are expected to release Cousins. Once they do, the Vikings might take him back.

Predicting all 32 NFL starting quarterbacks for 2026 season

Will Kirk Cousins go back to Minnesota? Could Kyler Murray join the AFC? Let's predict who will start for every NFL team in the 2026 season.

www.espn.com

Skol Vikes!!

Guess we know whose the President of the Captain Kirk fan club

 

[Gopher_In_NYC]

I know, that porn stache has got to go. He's getting some bad advice somewhere



All this is true, and that's why I prefaced it with saying that Sharp is a data guy, a numbers guy; I mean, a gambling guy really. He's not a Front Office guy and those folks might think entirely differently

Appreciate the insights.

It’s fascinating with all the vets looking for a gig, I wonder if some won’t find a job.

Can’t wait for March 9.

 

[Ogie Ogilthorpe]

Guess we know whose the President of the Captain Kirk fan club

Appreciate the insights.

It’s fascinating with all the vets looking for a gig, I wonder if some won’t find a job.

Can’t wait for March 9.

Depending on how much money he wants, I have to say that Kirk Cousins is probably the best option for the Vikings, and it's probably not even that close. He basically checks almost all of the boxes that the Vikings are probably looking for; ability to start, the experience to "mentor" a young QB, a high character quality guy, probably is going to be pretty cheap, and he's even run KOC's offense.

I know some people don't want to hear that but let's be realistic here. They are not making a move for a rockstar top 10-15 starting caliber QB

 

[Ogie Ogilthorpe]

Luke Braun, of Locked on Vikings pod, laid out the money situation for Kirk Cousins pretty well this morning, how the contract Cousins signs with someone else impacts the dead cap hit for Atlanta, how the offset language works with cut players, among other things. Pretty interesting

Cousins has $10M of guaranteed money on his contract. If Cousins signs with someone for less than that, like $7M say, that would reduce the Atlanta dead cap hit to $3M. This probably doesn't matter, as Cousins will likely command more than $10M from whatever team that signs him.

He also went into a little more definition, based on what the Vikings have said, on what the Vikings are really looking for in this QB pursuit. In short, the Vikings aren't looking for a long term replacement for JJM; they are looking for someone to give him some competition, and they still have faith in JJM.

Basically, it boils down to how Cousins views himself in the league right now. As someone who has always NOT wanted a situation where he's in full blown competition for the starting gig, if he still views himself as a legit starter, the Vikings situation may NOT be what Cousins wants. But if he's relaxed his expectations to him being a "bridge QB", he's absolutely in play.

Closed by saying that Cousins DOES still have great relationships with the people in the building in MSP like Rob B, KOC, et al.

 

[Spaulding!No!]

Vikings FTW nailed Kirk plays for money not wins. Pass

 

[Gopher_In_NYC]

Depending on how much money he wants, I have to say that Kirk Cousins is probably the best option for the Vikings, and it's probably not even that close. He basically checks almost all of the boxes that the Vikings are probably looking for; ability to start, the experience to "mentor" a young QB, a high character quality guy, probably is going to be pretty cheap, and he's even run KOC's offense.

I know some people don't want to hear that but let's be realistic here. They are not making a move for a rockstar top 10-15 starting caliber QB

Luke Braun, of Locked on Vikings pod, laid out the money situation for Kirk Cousins pretty well this morning, how the contract Cousins signs with someone else impacts the dead cap hit for Atlanta, how the offset language works with cut players, among other things. Pretty interesting

Cousins has $10M of guaranteed money on his contract. If Cousins signs with someone for less than that, like $7M say, that would reduce the Atlanta dead cap hit to $3M. This probably doesn't matter, as Cousins will likely command more than $10M from whatever team that signs him.

He also went into a little more definition, based on what the Vikings have said, on what the Vikings are really looking for in this QB pursuit. In short, the Vikings aren't looking for a long term replacement for JJM; they are looking for someone to give him some competition, and they still have faith in JJM.

Basically, it boils down to how Cousins views himself in the league right now. As someone who has always NOT wanted a situation where he's in full blown competition for the starting gig, if he still views himself as a legit starter, the Vikings situation may NOT be what Cousins wants. But if he's relaxed his expectations to him being a "bridge QB", he's absolutely in play.

Closed by saying that Cousins DOES still have great relationships with the people in the building in MSP like Rob B, KOC, et al.

Yup, lots of Cap buzz and indeed it makes sense.

FWIW, probably not much, Diana Rossini in The Athletic says she doesn’t think Kirk comes back as things are not quite on the Kumbuya level reported elsewhere; personally I’ve found very few of her insights come to fruition.

KOC should be propping up JJ in public, cause what’s the alternative? If you don’t then people will write/talk about how he doesn’t have faith in him and that will only further erode his confidence.

Lewis wrote that we’ll be able to to tell everything about how the Vikings feel about JJ by the QB they bring in: the Geno Smith/Kirk level , is yes JJ is the guy, whereas a Murray/Carr level, is a duel and JJ is just another player trying to win a starting spot.

Whatever it is, they better make the right call, as the real JJ ain’t gonna be chill forever without an opportunity for a .