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Vikings Fans Want Nothing to Do with This QB Trade
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- Vikings Fans Want Nothing to Do with This QB Trade
Joe Camporeale
Minnesota Vikings fans are not opposed to a high-profile quarterback joining the roster this offseason — but they do not want Kyler Murray via trade. We polled Vikings-themed social media last week, and the group resoundingly denounced a Murray trade.
The numbers suggest Vikings fans don't want the trade price tag, and Murray's contract structure adds another layer to the hesitation.
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Murray could be gettable for the right price. Just don't tell that to purple fans. They don't want him.
Poll Results Show Clear Pushback on Kyler Murray
Vikings loyalists take a stand on Murray to Minnesota.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray participates in offseason minicamp drills at the team facility in Tempe, showing early-career command and preparation on Jun 11, 2019, as Arizona continued installing its offensive system. The session reflected Murray's developmental phase, balancing athleticism with timing and structure ahead of his first NFL season. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
81% Say No Thanks to Murray
Because Vikings are so unenthusiastic about the prospect of Murray becoming a Viking on social media, we decided to gather some numbers.
In short, the fan base wants nothing to do with Murray. Here's the poll result:
Approximately 1,400 people voted in the poll, an unscientific process. A reasonable guess would've been that the folks were split on the idea of trading a 2nd-Rounder for Murray. No cigar. Nearly four-fifths of Vikings fans said "no thanks."
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A Shocking Poll Result
Poll respondents are treating Murray like a non-starter. An actual non-starter. One might expect the 81%-19% poll result if the question were: "Do you think Max Brosmer could eventually turn into a franchise quarterback?"
Instead, this is Kyler Murray at hand — the guy drafted by the Cardinals in 2019 with the first overall pick. In recent seasons, with former high-round quarterbacks like Baker Mayfield and Sam Darnold totally and unmistakably reclaiming their careers, Murray doesn't feel that far off from a reclamation story — if reclamation applies to him in the first place.
Yet, the poll proves purple faithful simply do not want him. He is not the fix for the Vikings, they say.
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An Attitude Problem?
So, what's behind the anti-Murray stance? It's certainly not the completion percentage. Murray is the fifth-most accurate quarterback in NFL history. In the past, head coach Kevin O'Connell has described his preferred quarterback model as one who starts from a baseline of passing accuracy. That's Murray. There is no better fit as an accurate passer this offseason who's available to the Vikings. He fits that particular O'Connell criteria.
On the other hand, Murray's reputation — fair or unfair — is a bit sullied by folks who insist he prefers video games to football, doesn't really like the sport, and doesn't study enough. In fact, four years ago, the Cardinals' brass built a "study clause" into Murray's contract extension.
ESPN's Josh Weinfuss explained in the summer of 2022, "Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray's recently signed contract extension includes an addendum that requires him to study film for four hours per week during the season to stay in compliance with the new deal."
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"The clause is labeled 'independent study addendum.' A source who has seen the contract confirmed to ESPN that the addendum first reported by NFL Network is in the contract."
The strange contractual nugget spread like wildfire for its bizarre stipulation, and Arizona later removed the clause.
Weinfuss continued, "The addendum also states that Murray will not get credit if he's not studying or watching the material while it plays on his tablet or if he's doing something that can distract him or draw his attention elsewhere while the material is playing, such as playing video games, watching TV or browsing the internet. Failure to meet the addendum's requirements will mean Murray will "be deemed to be in default" of his contract, per the wording in the agreement."
"The addendum kicks in this season and lasts through 2028, which is when the Cardinals can pick up a club option."
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray crosses the goal line during a first-half scoring run at State Farm Stadium, capturing a decisive moment on Nov 27, 2022, against the Los Angeles Chargers. The play highlighted Murray's dual-threat impact, combining mobility and instincts to pressure defenses in high-leverage red-zone situations. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Murray has all the physical tools — besides height; he's 5'10" — to succeed as a long-term QB1 for the Vikings. But the team's fan base is evidently spooked by video games and study clauses. It's the only thing that explains the 81% disapproval response.
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The Other Realistic Trade Options
Let's say the Vikings prefer a quarterback trade this offseason — but not Murray. The list might look like this:
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Anthony Richardson
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Davis Mills
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Jalen Milroe
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Kirk Cousins
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Mac Jones
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Spencer Rattler
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Will Levis
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Zach Wilson
Others have dreamt about high-profile names like these, even if they're not realistic:
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Baker Mayfield
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Justin Herbert
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Lamar Jackson
A free agent like Malik Willis from the Green Bay Packers could also move the needle.
But don't float Murray to Vikings fans. About 80% of the group is flat-out not interested despite the fact that Murray will turn 29 in August and has delivered 153 total touchdowns in 87 career games.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray stands on the field before kickoff at State Farm Stadium, framed during pregame routines on Dec 15, 2019, as Arizona prepared to face Cleveland. The moment reflects Murray's early NFL tenure, marked by rapid adjustment to tempo, visibility, and leadership expectations. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Pundits estimate a trade would cost the Vikings or another suitor the equivalent of a 2nd- or 3rd-Round pick, as mentioned in the poll.
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Since the start of 2019, Murray has a better EPA+CPOE than Baker Mayfield, C.J. Stroud, Trevor Lawrence, Mac Jones, and Daniel Jones — who are all expected to start in 2026 for their respective teams.
