MINNEAPOLIS — The Minnesota Vikings didn’t just find a quarterback on Wednesday; they pulled off a heist. By landing Kyler Murray on a one-year, $1.3 million deal, Minnesota secured a former Pro Bowler for the veteran minimum while the Cardinals foot the $36.8 million bill. It is the definitive “A” grade of the 2026 cycle, especially after J.J. McCarthy struggled through a 35.6 QBR campaign last season.
While the Vikings celebrated, the New York Jets left fans staring at their screens in confusion. The team traded for 35-year-old Geno Smith to be their starter, a move that earned a “D” grade. After a 2025 season where Smith ranked 27th in QBR, returning to the Meadowlands feels like a step backward for a franchise that should be hunting for a long-term savior.
Minnesota wasn’t the only team finding value in the scrap heap. The Philadelphia Eagles snatched Riq Woolen on a one-year, $15 million “prove-it” deal. Woolen has allowed a league-best 0.7 yards per coverage snap over the last four seasons. Pairing him with Quinyon Mitchell gives Philly a secondary that’s essentially a no-fly zone.
The Buffalo Bills took a massive swing for DJ Moore, but the cost was eye-watering. Buffalo gave up a second-round pick and took on a contract that guarantees 2028 money for a receiver whose yards per route run cratered to 1.3 last season. It’s a “D” grade for a team that seems to be overcorrecting for past receiving woes.
Meanwhile, the Las Vegas Raiders shattered the center market for Tyler Linderbaum. His $27 million per year average is nearly $5 million higher than the previous inflation-adjusted record. Supporting rookie Fernando Mendoza is the goal, but the price tag is staggering for a non-premium position.
“Kevin O’Connell is one of the best offensive minds in the game. When the opportunity came to play in this system with Justin Jefferson, the decision was easy. I’m here to win now.”
— Kyler Murray, Minnesota Vikings Quarterback
The Baltimore Ravens stabilized their defense by pivoting from a failed Maxx Crosby trade to signing Trey Hendrickson. While Hendrickson is 31, he has 35 sacks over the last two seasons. This move keeps the Ravens in the Super Bowl conversation without mortgaging their entire draft future.
In the AFC West, the Chiefs bolstered their ground game with Kenneth Walker III. The Super Bowl MVP provides the explosive element Kansas City lacked in the 2025 regular season. If Walker maintains his playoff form, the Chiefs’ quest for another ring just got a lot more dangerous.
