Vikings reportedly eyeing Geno Smith, Kyler Murray; which QB is the better option for NFC North club?

The Minnesota Vikings are narrowing down their veteran quarterback options before free agency begins on March 11 at 4 p.m. ET. 

ESPN’s Dan Graziano reported that he expects the Vikings to pursue QBs Kyler Murray (Arizona Cardinals) and Geno Smith (Las Vegas Raiders), whom their respective clubs will almost certainly release.

Of those options, Minnesota should choose Murray. Signing the No. 1 overall pick of the 2019 NFL Draft to a one-year deal could provide greater rewards for the Vikings than adding Smith. 

Why the Vikings should add Kyler Murray instead of Geno Smith

Murray, who turns 29 on Aug. 7, would have a greater chance of becoming a franchise QB than Smith, who turns 36 on Oct. 10. Minnesota desperately needs that in the NFC North, where QBs Caleb Williams (Chicago Bears), Jared Goff (Detroit Lions) and Jordan Love (Green Bay Packers) await twice a year. 

Murray battled injuries over his last four seasons with Arizona. He missed 12 games in 2025 because of a right foot issue. When healthy, though, the former Oklahoma Sooners star has provided solid QB play. 

Murray won 2019 Offensive Rookie of the Year and made two Pro Bowls during his first three seasons with the Cardinals. During the 2024 season, he played 17 games, ranking 11th in the NFL in passing yards (3,851) and ninth in QBR (63.4). He also tied for 13th in touchdown passes (21).

Smith, meanwhile, may be nearing the end of his career. The QB made consecutive Pro Bowls with the Seattle Seahawks in 2022 and 2023, but he has since struggled with turnovers. Over the past two seasons, he has led the NFL in interceptions (32), per StatMuse.

Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy’s confidence could take another hit if the team adds Murray. He would be a bigger threat for pick No. 10 of the 2024 draft than Smith. 

Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell and executive vice president of football operations Rob Brzezinski have indicated they haven’t given up on McCarthy. However, how many more chances should he receive after struggling mightily in his first year as a full-time starter?

McCarthy — who missed the 2024 season because of a meniscus tear in his right knee — went 6-4 in 10 starts this past season but tossed more interceptions (12) than TD passes (11). Minnesota finished 9-8 and missed the playoffs.

O’Connell, an offensive wizard, has revived the careers of QBs who have flamed out elsewhere. Look at Sam Darnold (now with the Seattle Seahawks), who ranked fifth in the NFL in TD passes (35) when he played for Minnesota in 2024. Murray clearly has a better chance of being his next successful reclamation project than Smith.