In Defense of Kyler Murray

[greediron]

Please don't misunderstand me, the best way to go this year IMO is with JJ McCarthy. I don't want nor think they will sign Murray. And they can't waste a year of development for JJ, it means they are in all manner of practicality done with him. You don't start a year, sit the bench the next year and then the organization says 'you're our guy again!. Never happen. They'd move on from him next season or the year after. 

BUT: its a lie to say Kyler Murray isn't talented and might not have an upward trajectory in his next stop. That's all I'm saying. Trust me, plenty of people said 'well why would Sam Darnold do any better elsewhere'? He'd been with how many other teams? And of all the people on this board, there was just one that thought Uncle Sammy would/could have a great year in Minnesota and that was MB. So MB is running his campaign now so may as well read what he's got to say.

Murray could still improve and be a consistent good QB.  But at what expense for us?  Will he do it this year and take us to the playoffs and then leave for elsewhere?  Just like Sammy?  

I don't think he is a good fit for KOC.  KOC struggles to change his offense even a little and Murray and the gun are not a good fit.

I listen to MB, he knows football.  But me and my little brain don't see it.

[comet52]

There certainly are reasons to doubt Kyler, a guy for whom they once tried to insert a clause in his contract to make him promise to watch film. And regardless of whether one likes him or not, it's a genuine question now as to whether he can stay healthy.

But that said the Cardinals are a dogshit org and it would be interesting to see what he would look like throwing it to Jefferson, Addison, et al and working with better personnel all around. This team will have a solid defense this year, especially if they can add a piece or two in the draft. Competent qb play should put them in the playoffs even in a tough NFCN.

And whatever you think of Murray, he's put plenty of highlights on tape at times and would bury last year's version of JJM in a "competition." Not that that matters because if they sign him it's not to compete it's to start. NFL teams don't find qb's via some training camp FAFO process anyway which is why all this competition talk has been amusing. It's the team's way of deflecting criticism if/when they give up on the kid.

So I'm pretty sure if this deal happens it's the end of JJM in Minnesota. Another year on the bench? For what? That is a dead end for JJM. I would hope they work out some sort of 2nd year option for Murray if they're going this route. But regardless, you'd think JJM would ask out, wanting to go somewhere where he could actually have a chance to get on the field. Don't know, it's all speculation at this point. If JJM can miss as much time as he has, put as many bad reps on the field as he has, show such a lack of maturity that KOC and the gang are basically telegraphing "We quit" to the world, then sit another year (or more) and somehow become not only a great qb but great for the Vikings and not some other team, I will eat my left shoe. Maybe the right one as well.

[pattersaur]

Kyler started 5 games last year and never topped 220 passing yards. The groundswell of support for us to sign him is wild.

[purplefaithful]

Where will Kyler Murray land -- and how will he make his decision?

By this time next week, Murray will almost certainly be a free agent. The only way he isn't available is if another team trades for him. But his contract isn't particularly trade-friendly, and everyone knows he's getting released anyway. So he'll be a free agent.

Now, most free agents have to balance a few considerations when they pick their new teams. The first and most obvious is contract size. But things such as scheme fit, roster competition and quality of life in that particular city are also worth consideration.

Murray isn't a typical free agent, though. He has been cut with $36.8 million in guarantees remaining on his contract, and that guaranteed money has offset language. Any money on a new deal with another team would just be subtracted off what the Cardinals already owe, giving Arizona relative cap relief. For that reason, he'll sign a veterans minimum contract for $1.3 million with whatever team he joins, forcing the Cardinals to pay out the remaining $35.5 million Murray is due.

This removes the main consideration of free agency from Murray's decision. Save for a surprising contract offer that includes multiple years -- which is possible but unlikely -- Murray's financial situation will be the same no matter where he signs: a one-year prove-it deal that lets him return to free agency in 2027. (We saw this with Russell Wilson in Pittsburgh in 2024, with his contract in Denver having similar offset language.)

This leveling of the playing field makes Murray an interesting candidate for the Vikings. Head coach Kevin O'Connell has garnered a reputation for quarterback rehabilitation. Kirk Cousins had one of his best seasons under O'Connell in 2022 and was on another tear in 2023 before an Achilles injury. The story of Sam Darnold's 2024 season is old hat. Even Daniel Jones kick-started his career resurgence with a cup of coffee on the Minnesota sideline.

But the Vikings are strapped for cash. Outgoing general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah spent aggressively while building around the rookie contract of quarterback J.J. McCarthy. But after many of Adofo-Mensah's moves went poorly -- and after McCarthy crashed and burned last season -- the Vikings are left with little financial flexibility and a big need at QB1. Murray seems like a godsend to their problems.

Murray is not of O'Connell's typical mold. He is not a big-bodied pocket passer with a history of under-center dropbacks and middle-of-the-field reads. Murray might evaluate the landscape and determine that the Browns under Todd Monken, who previously coached Lamar Jackson, run a better system for his skill set -- but they of course don't have an offensive line. He might see that the Jets have no challenger for QB1 and a great O-line, and offensive coordinator Frank Reich runs a Murray-friendly system -- but they're sure lacking in pass catchers.

Every potential Murray landing spot has an enticing pro and a debilitating con. That's what makes his decision so tricky. Find the right spot, and Murray could be in line for a fat extension this time next year. Make the wrong choice, and it's another year on the carousel of bad teams handing out bottom-of-the-market deals.

ESPN

[MaroonBells]

He's available for free for a reason, no?

Yes, the Cardinals are resetting and eating his salary. It happens a lot. But I'm sure you couldn't possibly be arguing that a QB whose team moves on is a QB whose career is over, because that would suggest you haven't paid attention to the NFL the last 10 years.

[purplefaithful]

As a fan, Ive gone back and forth about this situation...I have zero idea what they'll do and I dont know if they have their QB board sorted. But I do think a "Wentz type" signing is more likely than a Murray or Cousins type signing.

Just a hunch...

[StickierBuns]

Yes, the Cardinals are resetting and eating his salary. It happens a lot. But I'm sure you couldn't possibly be arguing that a QB whose team moves on is a QB whose career is over, because that would suggest you haven't paid attention to the NFL the last 10 years.

Would be 'must-see' TV for the NFL if Kyler came in and Minnesota got their RB (either draft or FA), along with BFlo's new contract. 

Kyler Murray 2.0 in KOC's offense.

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p.s. Some national reporters from areas like New York are reporting that their 'sources', which I'm sure are agents, are saying Kyler to Minnesota. I'm seeing MORE steam over this rather than less and that usually lends a lot more heft to it as we are mere days from free agency.

[MaroonBells]

Kyler started 5 games last year and never topped 220 passing yards. The groundswell of support for us to sign him is wild.

Throw out his stats. Just like the numbers Darnold put up in New York or Carolina, just throw 'em out. They're meaningless. Same with Brees's numbers in San Diego, Stafford's numbers in Detroit, Mayfield's numbers in Cleveland, Mac Jones's numbers in New England, Malik Willis's numbers in Tennessee. Hell, even Fran's numbers in New York. All meaningless.

If we don't know by now that QBs are massively influenced by their surround, then we're just eating the pages of history. And when I say surround, I don't just mean supporting cast, I mean ownership, facilities, coaching, scheme, defense, culture, weapons....all of it. 

If we sign him and he stays healthy, Kyler's going to have an enormous year in Minnesota.

[purplefaithful]

Throw out his stats. Just like the numbers Darnold put up in New York or Carolina, just throw 'em out. They're meaningless. Same with Brees's numbers in San Diego, Stafford's numbers in Detroit, Mayfield's numbers in Cleveland, Mac Jones's numbers in New England, Malik Willis's numbers in Tennessee. Hell, even Fran's numbers in New York. All meaningless.

If we don't know by now that QBs are massively influenced by their surround, then we're just eating the pages of history. And when I say surround, I don't just mean supporting cast, I mean ownership, facilities, coaching, scheme, defense, culture, weapons....all of it. 

If we sign him and he stays healthy, Kyler's going to have an enormous year in Minnesota.

Well, if 2009 is going to get redone at all, this would be the year...And I agree that Murray here with Jettas, Addison and (hopefully) a healthy TJH and OL would blow-up offensively.

[pattersaur]

Throw out his stats. Just like the numbers Darnold put up in New York or Carolina, just throw 'em out. They're meaningless. Same with Brees's numbers in San Diego, Stafford's numbers in Detroit, Mayfield's numbers in Cleveland, Mac Jones's numbers in New England, Malik Willis's numbers in Tennessee. Hell, even Fran's numbers in New York. All meaningless.

If we don't know by now that QBs are massively influenced by their surround, then we're just eating the pages of history. And when I say surround, I don't just mean supporting cast, I mean ownership, facilities, coaching, scheme, defense, culture, weapons....all of it. 

If we sign him and he stays healthy, Kyler's going to have an enormous year in Minnesota.

"Throw out his stats"... cmon.

On the rest-- If we sign Murray and he stays healthy I think he'll have a good year too and I'll ofc be rooting for it. If we get a Randall Cunningham/Brad Johnson year with Kyler and JJM I can get behind that.

But if bringing in Kyler Murray to start means McCarthy gets dealt to another team, I really really hate that. I'd so much rather roll with JJM and see what he's got than to trade him away and see what he's got for another team.