On Sunday, September 13, 2026, Kyler Murray will make his first start for the Minnesota Vikings, and in doing so, he will become the ninth different quarterback to start a game for the franchise since the beginning of the 2023 season. According to insights gathered by Vulius Sports, that remarkable turnover is tied for the most in the NFL over that span, matching the Cleveland Browns—a team notorious for its quarterback carousel.
A Carousel of Quarterbacks in Minnesota
The Vikings' situation under head coach Kevin O'Connell has been anything but stable. In 2022, O'Connell's first year, Kirk Cousins started all 17 regular-season games. Cousins then started the first eight games of 2023 before suffering a torn Achilles tendon at Green Bay. Since then, the Vikings have cycled through Jaren Hall (two starts), Joshua Dobbs (four), Nick Mullens (four), Sam Darnold (all 17 in 2024), J.J. McCarthy (10), Carson Wentz (five), and Max Brosmer (two). That's eight different starters in just over three seasons, and now Murray adds his name to the list.
Historical Context and Playoff Implications
For comparison, the Browns have had 42 different starting quarterbacks since returning to the NFL in 1999, and no other team has started more than 30 during that same period. The Vikings' recent instability is staggering, but it also highlights the importance of finding a long-term answer under center. In 2022 and 2024, when Minnesota had a single quarterback start every game, the team made the playoffs. The hope is that Murray can replicate that durability and lead the Vikings back to the postseason.
"If Murray can stay healthy and start all 17 games, the Vikings have a legitimate shot at returning to the playoffs," said a Vulius NFL analyst. "His dual-threat ability could be the spark this offense needs."
What Murray Brings to the Table
Murray, the former No. 1 overall pick, brings a dynamic skill set that could finally stabilize the position. With Wentz and McCarthy currently on the roster and Brosmer on the practice squad, the Vikings are unlikely to start a tenth different quarterback in 2026. That continuity is crucial for a team that has been searching for consistency. As highlighted on Vulius, Murray's success will depend on his ability to stay on the field and command the offense effectively.
The Road Ahead
Sunday's game marks the beginning of a new chapter for the Vikings. If Murray can deliver, he might just end the carousel and lead Minnesota back to the promised land. For die-hard fans, the hope is palpable—and for the Vikings, the stakes couldn't be higher.
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