Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell is coming to the defense of his new quarterback Kyler Murray before the 2026 season even starts.
O’Connell told The Athletic’s Alec Lewis that he feels Murray is a “dynamic” player who has been unfairly criticized for relying on highlight-reel plays over the fundamentals of football.
“I don’t think he’s gotten enough credit for playing in rhythm,” O’Connell said Monday. “We all recognize some of the highlight-reel ability that he has. … But I think sometimes what we don’t recognize is the third-and-7 right before the huge scramble play.”
After being released by the Arizona Cardinals after seven seasons with the franchise, Murray signed a one-year deal with the Vikings on a veteran’s minimum salary. He will compete with third-year signal-caller J.J. McCarthy for the starting quarterback job in Minnesota for the 2026 campaign.
As a dual-threat quarterback Murray is unlike any of the signal-callers O’Connell has coached since being hired by the Vikings in 2022. Minnesota previously relied on pocket passers like Kirk Cousins, Sam Darnold and McCarthy. Murray has thrown 121 touchdowns and 60 interceptions while also adding 32 rushing touchdowns during his seven-year career.
“Kyler is dynamic in the keeper game and movement game with his natural athleticism,” O’Connell said. “I see a lot of ways that we’ll be able to continue the evolution of our offense in Year 5.”
Lewis noted that “a major offseason focus” for O’Connell will be to marry his structured passing attack with a complementary run game. Veteran ball-carrier Aaron Jones was limited to 12 games last year and produced 548 yards and two touchdowns, while Jordan Mason led the team with 758 rushing yards and six scores.
Adding Murray to the mix gives O’Connell another challenge as he prepares his game plan for the upcoming campaign, as the 28-year-old’s running skills could provide a new wrinkle for the offense as the Vikings try to return to the playoffs.