The Minnesota Vikings have reached the “but” phase of the Kyler Murray era. That was quick. The two-time Pro Bowl quarterback is posting paltry production for the Purple and Gold, squandering some of the momentum that a first-class defense has built over the first half of the season. Murray will miss Monday's matchup versus the Buffalo Bills due to a hamstring strain, and many are wondering if he will start again this year.
Minnesota reportedly still thinks that the former No. 1 overall draft pick possesses the necessary talent to help them contend for a championship, but….. since he has yet to prove it on the field, management is forced to keep its options open going into the Nov. 10 trade deadline.
“That hamstring injury for Kyler Murray is legitimate. He is week to week,” NFL on Prime Video insider James Palmer said after Thursday's game between the Jacksonville Jaguars and Baltimore Ravens. “Now, they still believe that Kyler Murray can play the best football of his career with this coaching staff, in this offense. They understand it takes time and they're being patient. But that does not mean that they won't address the quarterback position before Tuesday, I'm told.
“They know the market, they know what options are out there. Their general manager Nolan Teasley has been working the phones over the last several weeks on a variety of positions. I'm told keep an eye on what happens Monday night.”
The Vikings are going to start Carson Wentz Monday night against the Bills. Kyler Murray is dealing with a hamstring injury and is week to week. Could Minnesota look to add a QB before the deadline? My report on our @NFLonPrime postgame show. pic.twitter.com/gQMQBvvWW7
— James Palmer (@JamesPalmerTV) November 6, 2026
Based on Palmer's report, it sounds as if Carson Wentz could potentially cement himself as the QB1 moving forward if he succeeds against the Bills. The former Second-Team All-Pro has completed 23-of-39 passes for 276 yards (59.0 completion percentage) with three touchdowns and no interceptions in 2026. Kyler Murray owns a 64.9 percent completion rate and has thrown for 1,022 yards and five TDs in six starts for the Vikings. He has tossed three picks and rushed for 167 yards.
Neither player presently seems very appealing for the playoffs. Teasley and head coach Kevin O'Connell will thoroughly evaluate the room and determine if there are attainable QBs on the trade market who can properly supplement Brian Flores' relentless defense and help Minnesota win its first Super Bowl.
At time of print, they still have more than 100 hours left to decide.