Ryan Fitzpatrick Questions Vikings’ Long-Term Outlook with Kyler Murray

Former NFL QB Ryan Fitzpatrick fears Kyler Murray will slip back into his previous lackluster self after just one year with the Vikings.

Ryan Fitzpatrick Questions Vikings’ Long-Term Outlook with Kyler Murray

Kyler Murray and Ryan Fitzpatrick inside the circle (Image via IMAGO/X)

Ryan Fitzpatrick doesn’t see Kyler Murray keeping the Minnesota Vikings quarterback job long-term. The Vikings will experience the same dissatisfaction the Cardinals did before releasing Murray.

A couple of years ago, the Vikings were dominating the NFC, even qualifying for the playoffs with Sam Darnold as their lead quarterback. Despite the success, they let Darnold leave and relied on their own first-round draft pick, JJ McCarthy, to keep the winning tradition alive.

In 2025, the Vikings started McCarthy, veteran Carson Wentz and rookie Max Brosmer, but finished third in the division and missed the playoffs. McCarthy showed that he’s not ready for the NFL. Wentz is too old, and Brosmer is an undrafted second-year athlete with little to no hope of toppling the other two. Keeping that in mind, the Vikings signed Heisman Trophy winner and former first overall pick Kyler Murray.

Even though Murray is the favorite to win the QB1 job, former NFL quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick is skeptical whether Murray is the answer for the long term.

I think [Kyler Murray’s] best year with Minnesota will be his first year, and if they keep him after that, it’s going to trail off because some of the issues that came up in Arizona are going to be the same issues that follow him.

Ryan Fitzpatrick said on the Rich Eisen Show

Fitzpatrick is pointing to Murray’s lack of work ethic in Arizona and staying distracted with matters that don’t concern football.

I don’t know that it’s a maturity issue… I think it’s just been some of the intangibles where he has struggled, fitting into a locker room and being able to elevate a team to the next level. So, I [just] think in Year 1, you’re not going to have to worry about those things because they’ll take care of themselves.

Fitzpatrick said

Murray began his Cardinals career on the right note. A couple of Pro Bowls within his first three years as the starter generated excitement among fans. He signed a mouthwatering five-year, $230.5 million contract extension, making him one of the highest-paid quarterbacks in football.

It went downhill from there on. Injuries and inconsistent performances created a love-hate relationship between Murray and the Cardinals front office.

He bounced back with an 8-9 record in 2024, but five games into the following season, Murray suffered a foot injury. The Cardinals ruled him out for the rest of the year. After the season concluded, the Cardinals released Murray. The Vikings signed him to a one-year deal.

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Analyst makes bold prediction about Kyler Murray’s future

There’s no question that Murray is talented. Kevin O’Connell is well aware, and he quickly brought him to Minnesota.

Ryan Fitzpatrick Questions Vikings’ Long-Term Outlook with Kyler Murray
Kyler Murray (Image via IMAGO)

On paper, he’s competing with McCarthy. However, experts see Murray winning the duel during the training camp.

Yes, [Murray is] going to win the job over JJ McCarthy, and I believe he’ll form a beautiful partnership with O’Connell, the coach of a team that is a reliable quarterback away from a return to the playoffs. Expect Murray to become that quarterback and rebuild his reputation along the way.

Nick Shook of NFL.com wrote

Pro Football Focus sees a bright future ahead for the former Oklahoma man. In their recently released QB rankings, Murray comes in at No. 21.

Murray has shown he can play at a top-eight level, and Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell has had plenty of success with less talented quarterbacks. Perhaps the pairing will help lead Minnesota back to the postseason.

PFF described Murray

Murray has a regular-season record of 38–48–1 and a 0- 1 playoff record. He has completed 67.1% of his passes, thrown 121 touchdowns and 60 interceptions while also rushing for 32 scores.

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