ESPN: Vikings signing seen as 'biggest steal' of free agency
· Yahoo Sports
The Minnesota Vikings haven't been extremely active in free agency. Their first external signing was for cornerback James Pierre, who had spent the past six seasons with the Steelers. He has never played more than 415 defensive snaps in a season.
Most of Minnesota’s other moves focused on retaining veterans. Aaron Jones and Eric Wilson returned on short-term deals, and Minnesota will expect them to display consistency and leadership.
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However, the Vikings' first major splash came on Thursday when they agreed to terms with Kyler Murray. The deal made too much sense for both sides: the Vikings needed a quarterback, and Murray will cost just $1.3 million in 2026 while joining a team with plenty of offensive weapons and a coaching staff capable of resurrecting his career.
Gary Davenport of Bleacher Report listed the signing as the biggest steal in free agency this offseason.
Yes, Murray had an injury-marred 2025 season. And after winning Offensive Rookie of the Year honors in 2019 and making the Pro Bowl the next two years, Murray's level of play has fallen off in recent years.
But just two years ago, Murray completed almost 69 percent of his passes for 3,851 yards and 21 touchdowns. Murray has also tallied almost 3,200 rushing yards over his career.
Whatever you think of Murray, he's a better option under center for a Vikings team with a playoff-caliber roster than J.J. McCarthy. And given Minnesota head coach Kevin O'Connell's history of reclamation projects at the position, if Murray is going to get his career back on track, this is the best opportunity to do it.
One year after moving off Sam Darnold for J.J. McCarthy, it appears the Vikings are ready to lean on a veteran again in 2026. If Murray plays well, it will be hard to envision Minnesota moving on from him as they did with Darnold.
The best part is the cost. At $1.3 million, the Vikings get a veteran quarterback with legitimate upside at a fraction of the market rate — a rare opportunity at the league’s most important position.
This article originally appeared on Vikings Wire: One Vikings signing seen as 'biggest steal' of free agency