The Green Bay Packers have wasted no time replenishing the roster in free agency, signing defensive tackle Javon Hargrave, cornerback Benjamin St-Juste, and wide receiver Skyy Moore. However, their NFC North foes have also stayed busy in an attempt to keep up in the division arms race. And one move in particular should get the Packers' attention.
Needing help at quarterback, the Minnesota Vikings signed Kyler Murray to a one-year deal worth $1.3 million following his release from the Arizona Cardinals.
Leaving aside that the dreaded division rival might've gotten a steal, Green Bay will have to worry about dealing with the first overall pick in the 2019 draft twice next season.
Why the Packers should be worried about Kyler Murray
One huge reason the Vikings failed to make the playoffs last year was that Sam Darnold left for the Seattle Seahawks, and J.J. McCarthy struggled when thrust into action. Murray will change that.
After the Murray signing, Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell refused to name a starting quarterback, implying that the job would be up for grabs. If that's the case, Murray will have a massive edge over McCarthy, who still has a long way to go before he can prove he can be a viable quarterback in the NFL.
And that's the thing, injuries held Murray back last year, but as recently as the end of 2024, he was seen as a top-15 quarterback, maybe even on the fringe of the top 10.
It's easy to forget it now, but Murray's dual-threat capabilities routinely kept defenses on their toes. While he's never crossed the 4,000-yard mark, he's routinely made plays with his legs. Back in 2020, he racked up 819 yards and 11 rushing touchdowns. Even after suffering an ACL injury in 2022 that forced him to miss a good chunk of the following year, the two-time Pro Bowl quarterback has been a threat to take off at any time, if opposing teams give him cushion.
Kyler Murray will keep things interesting for the Packers in the NFC North race
As recently as 2024, the Vikings qualified for the postseason with Sam Darnold leading the way. With Murray now behind center, Minnesota should be in the thick of the division race, which isn't great news for a Packers team that is trying to dethrone the Chicago Bears.
The Detroit Lions are also looming around, so head coach Matt LaFleur will have to prove Green Bay made the right call when it gave him an extension earlier this year that kept him from leaving. Working in his favor is that the Packers' defense will have plenty of talent to counter other quarterbacks in the division.
While Green Bay traded Rashan Gary to the Dallas Cowboys, it locked up defensive tackle Javon Hargrave and managed to retain defensive end Brenton Cox Jr., who was a productive rotational piece last year.
Couple that with Micah Parsons' eventual return from injury, and the Packers have enough firepower to slow Murray down and the rest of his NFC North counterparks.