Vikings' 5 best QB options to upgrade from injured Kyler Murray, from Carson Wentz to Kirk Cousins
MORE: Vikings QB timeline has been bumpy since 2023 Vikings' five best non-Kyler Murray QB options Imagn Images 1.
Key points
- Now that Murray will miss more time, starting with Buffalo, and is week to week with a hamstring injury, coach Kevin O'Connell is running out of options to upgrade.
- With a healthy Kyler Murray, the Vikings have been well behind the QB strengths of the Bears (Caleb Williams), Lions (Jared Goff) and Packers (Jordan Love).
- Trade for Kirk Cousins Cousins has been huge in making the Raiders' passing game exciting again.
Given Wentz was averaging 7.7 yards per attempt and rated 106.4 leading O'Connell's offense before Monday night, it was shocking the Vikings didn't bench Murray before Week 9 and give Wentz another shot before injury forced their hand.
Keep starting Carson Wentz Wentz, relieving a concussed Murray at home, was spectacular in the second half against the Packers in Week 1 to lead a key early comeback victory in division play.
Additional details
- They have no run defense and a sputtering running game, leading to Cousins chucking to some pleasing results, mostly to tight ends Brock Bowers and Michael Mayer.
- Murray has been a misfit in the offense, but he's been lifted to a 5-1 record as a starter thanks to dominant defense and stellar special teams.
- But the Vikings can't ignore he was once good enough in Kyle Shanahan's quasi-related system to help the 49ers get to a Super Bowl.
- Trade for Tanner McKee The Eagles had high hopes for McKee as a pocket-passing backup behind Jalen Hurts, but he didn't look right at all in a shorthanded, dysfunctional, transitional offense.
- Minnesota is in first place in the NFL's toughest division in 2026, but all the buzz is around the three teams behind in the standings: Chicago (7-2), Detroit (6-2) and Green Bay (6-3).
How this summary was made: extractive summary — built from the sources' own reporting. It is drawn only from the reporting of the sources listed below — read the originals for full detail. How we summarize →
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