The Minnesota Vikings have made their final preparations for the 2026 NFL season. It will be former first overall pick Kyler Murray leading the offense this coming season after he signed a one-year contract with Minnesota following his departure from the Arizona Cardinals.
Murray showed flashes with the Cardinals, but his 2025 campaign did not inspire confidence in his abilities or his fitness. In fact, the veteran signal-caller played just five games for Arizona last year.
A new environment could certainly give Murray what he needs to rebound. But a recent report has raised some concerns surrounding Murray. One NFL analyst is warning of a trend the Vikings quarterback may be bringing with him from Arizona.
NFL Insider Calls Out Kyler Murray Trend Before Vikings Debut
NFL insider Mike Florio appeared on an episode of “PFT Live” this week and used the time to provide inside information about Murray’s habits with Minnesota.
“I heard last night from someone I trust that the starting quarterback is showing up right on time and leaving as soon as the bells ring. Which is fine, but it kinda fits with one of the issues that emerged in Arizona,” Florio reported.
Will Kyler Murray set the tone for the Vikings by showing up early and staying late? pic.twitter.com/OuF0iXXAet
— PFT Live (@PFT_Live)
Of course, showing up on time and leaving on time is not an issue in and of itself. However, Florio believes that Murray could do more to lead by example.
“To the extent that we all thought that he’d be a guy who gets there well before anyone and a guy who burns the midnight oil. That’s not happening, at least for now in Minnesota. But the good news is that maybe he’ll work on Tuesdays… and I’m saying that tongue-in-cheek,” Florio continued.
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The Vikings are turning to Murray after a disappointing 2025 campaign. J.J. McCarthy suffered some injuries that prevented him from playing a full season. This year, McCarthy lost the quarterback battle to the veteran newcomer Murray.
Minnesota finished the 2025 season with a winning record. The Vikings finished 9-8 and avoided a last-place finish in the NFC North. A late-season victory over the Detroit Lions condemned their Motor City rival to last in the division.
Of course, the Vikings want to be better in 2026. Missing the playoffs was a hard pill to swallow, especially after a 14-3 finish the year before.
Minnesota will begin its quest for redemption in 2026 when they take on the Green Bay Packers on September 13.
