Chase Edmonds Says Kyler Murray’s “Best Version” Is Coming in Minnesota, Makes Some Bold Predictions

The Minnesota Vikings didn’t sign Kyler Murray for nostalgia or vibes. They signed him because the math was too good to ignore and the quarterback room needed a real jolt.

Murray’s one year deal costs Minnesota $1.3 million for the 2026 season, with the Arizona Cardinals on the hook for the rest of his $36.8 million salary after cutting him. The agreement also includes a no tag clause, which means the Vikings cannot franchise or transition tag him next offseason.

That bargain setup immediately reignited the long running debate around Murray: elite talent, uneven results, and an off field narrative about preparation that has followed him since Arizona. This week, one of his former teammates tried to slam the door on that last part.

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Edmonds pushes back on the “does he work” talk
Running back Chase Edmonds, who played with Murray in Arizona from 2019 through 2021, said he has never doubted Murray’s work habits.

“Look, I have never once questioned Kyler Murray’s work ethic,” Edmonds said. “I know the work he puts in day in and day out to be prepared at the highest level.”

Edmonds also acknowledged the criticism isn’t completely random. He said Murray could have been “helped” earlier in his career and placed in better situations to understand the grind required to play quarterback in the NFL, but he pushed the responsibility toward organizational structure and development.

“When Kyler was younger, I do think he could have been helped, put in better positions, to really understand the grind it may take to play the quarterback position,” Edmonds said. “But I don’t think that’s all on him, bro. To me, that’s from the top of the organization on down… But in terms of work ethic? I’ve never questioned that.”

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Three predictions, and none of them are small
Edmonds didn’t stop at defending Murray. He made three clear predictions about what Murray can do in Minnesota, starting with the staff.

“I think they have the best overall coaching staff in the NFL with K.O.C. and Brian Flores,” Edmonds said. “There is no better coaching staff. They are going to be as prepared as anybody week in and week out in the NFL.”

Then he went straight to hardware and standings.

“I think they can win the NFC North, and I’m going to be real. I think Kyler Murray is going to win Comeback Player of the Year. I think he gets back to the Pro Bowl. I think he really reminds people of just how talented he is.”

Edmonds also framed Minnesota as the place where Murray’s adversity finally becomes fuel.

“For the Minnesota fans, I would just say that they are going to get the best version of Kyler Murray, one the NFL has not seen,” Edmonds said. “When Kyler Murray first entered the NFL, he never experienced adversity. When you finally experience that adversity this late in your career? This version of Kyler, he’s going to be more motivated than he’s ever been in his entire life.”

Why the Vikings signed him in the first place
Minnesota’s decision to bring Murray in is tied to the reality of last season and the uncertainty at the position. The Vikings have been clear that Murray is expected to compete with J.J. McCarthy, the 2024 first round pick who has been limited by injuries and has not put together a full, stable year as the unquestioned starter.

The contract structure tells you how Minnesota views the risk: low cash from the Vikings, veteran upside if Murray hits, and an easy exit if it doesn’t.

That’s also why Edmonds’ comments matter. If Murray plays well, the “work ethic” chatter fades fast. If he struggles, it comes roaring back because the Vikings didn’t just sign a quarterback, they signed a storyline.

Edmonds’ view is that Minnesota is getting the motivated version of Murray, paired with a coaching staff he believes can maximize the talent. The Vikings will spend the spring and summer sorting out whether that translates to the only thing that settles quarterback debates: snaps that count.

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