Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kyler Murray has been named a fringe contender for the NFL's 2026 MVP award by Bleacher Report. This recognition comes during his first season with the Vikings after seven years with the Arizona Cardinals.
Denny Simmons / The Tennessean / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Is it too early? Yes. Does that matter for MVP consideration? No. Bleacher Report stepped up to the plate last week, naming Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kyler Murray as a fringe contender for the NFL’s 2026 MVP award.
Murray’s first Vikings season now has a national longshot attached.
Murray signed with the Vikings in March, fresh off seven years with the Arizona Cardinals. His next chapter evidently already comes with possible MVP sizzle.
Quite the prediction for Murray.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray surveys the field before kickoff on Sep. 15, 2024, ahead of a home matchup against the Los Angeles Rams at State Farm Stadium in Glendale. Murray entered the 2024 season carrying renewed expectations in Arizona, with the Cardinals hoping his mobility, arm talent, and experience could stabilize the franchise’s long-term offensive direction. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-Imagn Images.
Kyler Murray is viewed as a fringe MVP candidate due to his potential impact in his first season with the Minnesota Vikings after a successful tenure with the Arizona Cardinals.
Kyler Murray signed with the Minnesota Vikings in March 2023.
Before joining the Vikings, Kyler Murray played for the Arizona Cardinals for seven years.
Being a fringe MVP candidate means that while a player is not a front-runner, they are still considered a potential contender for the MVP award based on their performance.
Sebastián Soria, at 42, could become the oldest outfield player in World Cup history after being named in Qatar's preliminary squad. If he plays, he will surpass Roger Milla's record from 1994.
Barcelona to loan Xavi Espart and Toni Fernandez to Real Oviedo next season
Zay Flowers earns the title of AFC North's highest graded wide receiver in 2025!
Matías Fernández-Pardo confirms he will play for Belgium, turning down Spain's offer.
IndyCar revises caution policy following a risky situation at the Sonsio Grand Prix.
Chicago Bears sign four new players and Squirrel White retires.
See every story in Sports — including breaking news and analysis.
BR: Murray an Honorable Mention for MVP Candidates in 2026
BR’s Moe Moton sized up seven players who could snag the honor for the first time, and Murray got some love. Moton wrote, “Despite Kyler Murray’s recent struggles on the field and with injuries, he’s a talented two-time Pro Bowler who could be one of the league’s best in the right situation. Still in his prime, the 28-year-old could benefit from a change of scenery.”
“With the Minnesota Vikings, Murray will play with two-time All-Pro wideout Justin Jefferson, a solid No. 2 receiver in Jordan Addison and reliable pass-catching tight end T.J. Hockenson. Moreover, head coach Kevin O’Connell has fielded a top-six passing offense in three of the previous four years. Murray could flourish with the Vikings’ supporting cast on a team that competes for the No. 1 seed in the NFC.”
Murray currently has +7500 odds to win the award, sandwiched between Jaxson Dart (+7000, NYG) and Cam Ward (+8,000, TEN).
What Murray Must Do to Win MVP
Realistically speaking, it’s a longshot for Murray to win the 2026 MVP award; no one quite knows if he’ll cleanly resonate in the Vikings’ offense, though fans are, of course, dreaming big.
For starters, Minnesota will need a winning record, plus a playoff appearance. In 2025, the club clawed its way to an “ugly” 9-8 record after a 4-8 start, missing the postseason and NFC North crown by one win, believe it or not. So, out of the gate for MVP contendership, Murray must take Minnesota to the postseason.
Winning in the playoffs does not matter for the MVP trophy; voters select the winner before postseason wins and losses. Statistically, Murray will probably have to deliver a stat line in this neighborhood:
Vikings’ MVP History
The last guy to win an MVP for the Vikings? Adrian Peterson in 2012 — the last non-quarterback to bring home the league’s top individual hardware. Peterson singlehandedly took Minnesota to the postseason that year, just missing Eric Dickerson’s single-season rushing record and doing all his damage one season removed from a torn ACL. Peterson also made headlines this week when the Vikings surprised with his inclusion in U.S. Bank Stadium’s Ring of Honor. He’ll be formally inducted alongside 28 other Vikings legends at a home game in 2026.
Adrian Peterson races past Pittsburgh Steelers safety Tyrone Carter on Aug. 23, 2008, during preseason action at the Metrodome in Minneapolis. Peterson quickly established himself as one of the NFL’s most explosive runners during his early years with the Vikings, combining breakaway speed and punishing physicality into a style that routinely overwhelmed opposing defenses. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn USA TODAY Sports.
Before Peterson, quarterback Fran Tarkenton won the award in 1975, and defensive tackle Alan Page started the party for Minnesota in 1971 — back in an era when the NFL entertained MVPs for defensive players.
Ironically, no player from the Cardinals, Murray’s former team, has ever won the award.
The First-Time Other Candidates in 2026
Moton revealed his full list, including these names in addition to Murray:
Moton deemed the Burrow as the frontrunner from his first-time criteria, explaining, “He possesses MVP-caliber talent and has the supporting cast to rack up big numbers. In 2025, he led the league with 4,918 passing yards and 43 touchdown passes. Over the past several years, Burrow has built a strong rapport with Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. In 2024, the former won the receiving triple crown, and the latter recorded double-digit touchdown receptions in the last two seasons.”
“Burrow’s MVP case comes down to two factors: staying healthy and the Bengals winning more games. In three out of six seasons, the 29-year-old has missed at least six outings. Cincinnati hasn’t qualified for the playoffs since the 2022 campaign. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, some believe Burrow’s future with the Bengals could be uncertain following another disappointing season. This team may play with more urgency in a make-or-break campaign.”
Kyler Murray reacts after the Arizona Cardinals lost to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Dec. 8, 2019, at State Farm Stadium in Glendale. Murray’s rookie campaign featured flashes of dynamic playmaking ability despite Arizona’s uneven season, giving the franchise optimism that the young quarterback could eventually develop into the centerpiece of its offense. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports.
Two other Vikings players have MVP odds: quarterback J.J. McCarthy at +25,000 and wide receiver Justin Jefferson at +40,000. Jefferson’s odds are similar to rolling double sixes on a dice twice in a row.