Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield is pushing back against the criticism and negative perception surrounding new Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kyler Murray.
Mayfield and Murray developed a close relationship during their time together at the University of Oklahoma, where they were teammates in 2016 and 2017. Mayfield was the established starter, while Murray joined the Sooners after transferring from Texas A&M and later emerged as one of college football’s brightest stars.
Drawing From Personal Experience, Baker Mayfield Defends Kyler Murray
After spending seven seasons with the Arizona Cardinals, Murray joined the Minnesota Vikings in March. During his time in Arizona, the former No. 1 overall pick faced constant scrutiny from fans and the media, including backlash over the independent study clause that was briefly included in his contract.
Mayfield, who also endured intense criticism before reviving his career in Tampa Bay, believes a fresh start could have a similar effect on his former teammate.
“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 said. “Kyler gets a bad rap, people want to put a certain persona on him.”
BE THE GM OF YOUR FAVORITE TEAM: PFN’s FREE NFL Mock Draft Simulator
Murray and Mayfield’s relationship began when Murray transferred to Oklahoma in December 2015. Because of NCAA transfer rules at the time, he was forced to sit out the 2016 season, ultimately spending two years learning behind Mayfield before taking over as the Sooners’ starting quarterback in 2018.
The two quarterbacks developed a close friendship in Norman, competing against one another in practice and pushing each other while sharing the same quarterback room.
Being selected No. 1 overall in the NFL Draft comes with enormous expectations. Both Mayfield and Murray entered the league tasked with turning around struggling franchises, Mayfield with the Cleveland Browns and Murray with the Cardinals.
Neither was able to fully meet those expectations. Mayfield bounced from the Browns to the Carolina Panthers and Los Angeles Rams before rebuilding his career in Tampa Bay, while Murray led Arizona to just one playoff appearance during his seven seasons with the Cardinals.
PREDICT THE NFL SEASON: PFN’s FREE NFL Playoff Predictor
Following his lone playoff appearance in 2021, Murray signed a five-year, $230.5 million contract extension with Arizona the following offseason. The deal included a controversial independent-study clause requiring him to complete 4 hours of film study each week, without distractions such as television or video games.
The clause quickly became a national talking point. Fans mocked Murray, suggesting the Cardinals included it because they questioned his work ethic or believed he spent more time playing video games than preparing for football.
Murray later called the criticism disrespectful during an impromptu press conference, and the Cardinals soon removed the clause. Even so, the episode left a lasting mark on his public image.
Now entering a new chapter with Minnesota, Murray will look to prove that the criticism does not define his career, something Mayfield clearly believes he can do. However, the road will not be easy, as he enters training camp in a battle with J.J. McCarthy for the Vikings’ starting quarterback job.
Last season, Murray ranked 21st in PFSN’s QB Impact Metric, while McCarthy finished 37th after starting 10 games and throwing 11 touchdowns against 12 interceptions. Those struggles played a role in Minnesota’s acquisition of Murray.
Although the Vikings are unlikely to give up on McCarthy, the No. 10 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, a disappointing start to the season will open the door for Murray to revive his career, much like Mayfield did in Tampa Bay.
