Having lost Pro Bowler Kirk Cousins for the season with a torn Achilles, the 4-4 Minnesota Vikings desperately need a new starting quarterback.
After dropping four of their first five, the Vikings have rallied with three straight wins to get back to .500. With the playoffs very much in reach, GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah should be a motivated buyer leading up to Tuesday’s trade deadline.
With Cousins’ contract set to expire in 2024, Minnesota may be keen on acquiring a quarterback who’s signed beyond next year. Though it’s a long shot to actually happen, the Vikings should call up the Arizona Cardinals and see if a deal can be had for Kyler Murray.
If the NFL Draft were held today, Arizona would have the first overall pick — and the chance to draft USC’s Caleb Williams first overall. Taking that into account, GM Monti Ossenfort should be willing to trade Murray if the price is right.
Murray would be in excellent position to succeed as Minny’s QB, with the game’s top wideout in Justin Jefferson, rookie standout Jordan Addison, star tight end T.J. Hockenson and a brilliant offensive-minded head coach in Kevin O’Connell.
The Vikings should offer Arizona a conditional 2024 second-round pick that becomes a first if they make the postseason plus 2025 third and fifth-round picks.
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This may seem like a lot, but keep in mind that Minnesota gave up a 2017 first-rounder to the Philadelphia Eagles seven years ago for a mediocre signal-caller in Sam Bradford. Starting-caliber QBs cost a lot via trade, and Murray is only 26 years of age and signed through 2028.
Murray would surely embrace the chance to shine with an offensive machine, especially in a soft division like the NFC North. As for Arizona, trading Murray puts them in position to get Williams or another can’t-miss QB prospect in next year’s class.
