Cris Carter declares Kyler Murray is the 'ingredient' Vikings needed

So when Cris Carter threw his support behind the man tipped to lead the Minnesota Vikings in 2026, it landed with the kind of authority that carries weight.

Here's why he thinks Kyler Murray brings "an ingredient to the Vikings offense that we haven't had in years."

Murray steps into a winning Vikings setup

The Vikings finished 9-8 in 2025 despite cycling through three subpar quarterbacks in J.J. McCarthy, Carson Wentz, and Max Brosmer.

Carter gave credit to the team for achieving that feat, saying, "Who else around the league is able to win games without good quarterback play? It’s really hard to do, impossible to do."

In March, Minnesota decided enough was enough and signed Kyler Murray, the former Cardinal who was released by Arizona that same month.

Head coach Kevin O'Connell is yet to name a 2026 starter, but it is widely expected that Murray will win the job over McCarthy.

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Carter believes the two-time Pro Bowler is in a great spot to succeed.

"Kyler Murray is in a situation like a lot of other good players," he said. "The magic happens sometimes when you put those horns on, and that purple helmet.

"Now he has everything around him, offensive line, running game, an offensive mind [O'Connell] that’s going to put him in the best position to be able to win, one of the most elite receiving corps we have in the National Football League."

That wideout group, led by Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison and bolstered by the arrival of Jauan Jennings in free agency, is the best Murray has ever had to work with.

Carter loves what he sees going into 2026, provided Murray can get his head down.

"He’s in a great situation; he's got tremendous experience, but we all have to grow as players. If he continues to grow, if he accepts KOC’s coaching... he will bring an ingredient to the Vikings offense that we haven’t had in years.”

Murray, one of the more dangerous quarterbacks with his legs, has 3,193 yards on the ground in just 87 games, and Carter believes that will make the difference.

“If you look at the top quarterbacks, every other one is a dual threat. When everything breaks down on third down, you have a guy that can get you a first down, and that’s what Kyler can do.”

Murray already belongs in Minnesota

Murray was saying almost the same stuff back in May.

"I don't know how you can't love that room," he told reporters after an OTA session, calling his offensive teammates an "embarrassment of riches."

But he didn't stop there, singling out the skill players for praise.

"You've got the best receiver in the league in Justin Jefferson and then J.A. [Jordan Addison] and the guys, all the young guys who have the talent and ability that are hungry to go prove it."

The feeling is mutual, with Jefferson raving about the "spark" Murray brings.

Murray has been smart about how he talks about J.J. McCarthy, careful in a way that doesn't read as fake.

"Obviously, I know he's a younger guy, so any way I can help him, obviously I'll give him any knowledge that he needs," Murray said. "We're both competitors, and I know we both want what's best for the team."

Training camp is just around the corner, and if Murray has impressed O'Connell in the way he has Carter, it's just a matter of time before he's handed the keys. What he does with those keys is another matter.