Vikings rumor names two QBs Minnesota is interested in and Kyler Murray isn't one of them

Vikings rumor names two QBs Minnesota is interested in and Kyler Murray isn't one of them originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Minnesota Vikings are in the market for a veteran quarterback this offseason and a new rumor reveals the team's possible interest in two specific players.

The Vikings' need for a veteran quarterback is obvious. J.J. McCarthy wasn't good last season and Minnesota needs an insurance policy to push the Michigan product or even replace him.

According to NBC Sports' Matthew Berry, the Vikings are believed to have an eye on Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith if he's released, and Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins.

"As for Minnesota, I've heard a bunch of different things," Berry said. "Heard some people say they're kind of interested in seeing about Geno [Smith] if he gets released. Heard maybe a reunion with Kirk Cousins."

One player Minnesota is not expected to pursue is Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray. Berry says Murray is "not on Minnesota's radar."

Of course, Cousins, who is going to be released by the Falcons, has been connected to the Vikings plenty, which makes sense considering his experience playing under head coach Kevin O'Connell.

Smith is under contract with the Raiders through 2027, but the Raiders are widely expected to part ways with him this offseason as Las Vegas is set to draft Indiana superstar Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft.

The Raiders would prefer to trade Smith in order to get at least something for him, but with that contract and the entire league knowing Mendoza is going to Las Vegas, interested parties will probably just wait for him to be cut.

Both signal-callers will be looking to bounce back in 2026, and knowing the history with Sam Darnold and the kind of weapons the Vikings have, Minnesota offers a great opportunity to do so.

Cousins struggled in 2024 to the point that he got benched for Michael Penix Jr. He did get another chance to start in 2025 after Penix got injured, but Cousins was OK but not great in his eight starts.

After a solid stint with the Seattle Seahawks, Smith signed with the Raiders in 2025 and struggled mightily. Smith was a turnover machine and did nothing to elevate Las Vegas' offense.

That said, the Raiders were also a mess on that side of the ball, so it wasn't all on Smith. Las Vegas lacked sufficient playmakers and the play-calling was putrid.

We could see either quarterback landing in Minnesota in 2026, but Cousins is more likely to sign with the Vikings.

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