The quarterback situation for the Minnesota Vikings is one of the most talked-about parts of the offseason. At the moment, it appears as though the team will decide on a starter based on who wins a competition heading into the 2026 NFL season.
That competition will pit former Arizona Cardinals No. 1 overall draft pick Kyler Murray against the Vikings' No. 10 overall pick in 2024, J.J. McCarthy, in an offseason battle to determine who head coach Kevin O'Connell will name the starter.
Whether it is Murray or McCarthy who is named the starter, there are bound to be doubters. While both quarterbacks have potential, they also have areas where they struggle that could cause them problems in Minnesota.
Minnesota Vikings QB Kyler Murray has plenty of doubters, but Tampa Bay Buccaneers QB Baker Mayfield isn't one of them
OnSI Oklahoma's Carson Field recently shared an article focusing on Murray. However, former Oklahoma Sooners passer and current Tampa Bay Buccaneers star Baker Mayfield shared some strong thoughts on the potential purple and gold starter.
Mayfield can understand what is happening with Murray. Although his time with the Cardinals wasn't the most fruitful, Murray has the potential to prove himself with the Vikings in a way that could rejuvenate his career.
Here is what Mayfield had to say about Murray.
“Coming from someone who has been in a similar situation where you think you’re going to be somewhere forever and just needing a new change of scenery.
...I think this fresh start for him is going to be amazing.”
Mayfield knows how a fresh start can be a blessing. After the Cleveland Browns moved on from him, he spent time with the Carolina Panthers and Los Angeles Rams before taking over for legendary quarterback Tom Brady with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Mayfield has spent three seasons in Tampa Bay so far, earning two Pro Bowl nods and looking like a franchise quarterback. Meanwhile, there are many teams in the league that either didn't trade for him when the Browns moved on or didn't claim him on waivers when the Panthers released him.
Minnesota is scheduled to play the Buccaneers in Tampa Bay in Week 3. This could be a showdown between the two former No. 1 overall picks, and Mayfield likes the idea of facing Murray earlier in the season before he can get too comfortable with the team.
“Luckily, we get him early in the season before he gets too hot.”
Of course, Murray still has to win the quarterback competition to be named the starter for the Vikings. If he can beat out McCarthy, he will have the opportunity to prove that the change of scenery can do wonders for him, as it did for Mayfield in the NFC South.
Add us as a preferred source on Google