Purple Insider - a Minnesota Vikings and NFL podcast From the owner's meetings: Vikings brass talks Kyler Murray, GM search Addison fifth-year option
Mar 31, 2026
Dane Mizutani, Pioneer Press reporter covering the Vikings and NFL, shares on-the-ground insights from the owners meetings. They discuss why Kyler Murray fits the offense and how his mobility could reshape the run game. Conversation covers the Vikings GM search and the decision to pick up Jordan Addison’s fifth-year option. They also touch on roster strategy, cap discipline, and Harrison Smith’s uncertain status.
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Run Game Emphasis With Frank Smith And Pistol Concepts
- The Vikings plan to re-emphasize the run game using Frank Smith's experience and pistol/wide-zone concepts.
- Matthew Coller and Dane linked Smith's hire and a new OL coach to more consistent rushing and designing plays to leverage Murray's running threat.
Signals Point To Kyler Murray As Week One Starter
- Publicly the Vikings won't name a starter, but internal moves point to Kyler Murray being the Week 1 starter.
- O'Connell's praise, offensive hires, and scheme tweaks line up with Murray's skill set despite keeping competition messaging.
McCarthy Faces Real Competition Not Developmental Cushion
- The addition of Kyler Murray and Carson Wentz increases pressure on JJ McCarthy to win a job.
- Dane noted the franchise shifted from protecting McCarthy's development to forcing him to 'sink or swim' in a multi-QB room.