Chris Simms Delivers Stunner with Kyler Murray Ranking

Kyler Murray is the third-worst starting quarterback in the NFL heading into June 2026, according to NBC Sports‘ Chris Simms. Murray’s reputation is low at the moment, cast off from the Arizona Cardinals in March and landing in Minnesota a few days later.

But most didn’t know it was this low, as described by Simms, often considered a quarterback savant. Simms thinks Murray is one of the NFL’s least effective passers.

Simms’s Ranking Adds Another [Bad] Layer to Murray Debate

Simms’s Rankings from 11-43

Each summer, Simms releases his quarterback rankings for the upcoming season, and so far, he’s posted everything but the Top 10.

Here’s the pecking order to date, according to Simms, a former quarterback:

Vikings fans saw Murray’s ranking and treated it like a DJ’s record scratch.

30th-Best. Really?

It’s readily apparent that Murray’s stock is at a career low; the Cardinals dropped him, for God’s sake. It doesn’t get much lower than that. Still, ranking the man at No. 30 on a list of quarterbacks is absurd.

For starters, he’s a former first overall pick who averages about 4,000 passing yards, 600 rushing yards, and 30 total touchdowns per 17 games. That production does not grow on trees. Second, Simms knows that Murray is on deck to work within the Vikings’ offense. It’s as if Simms is setting himself up to look silly in retrospect by November or December.

Simms noted on Murray’s trashy ranking, “An explosive arm and natural athleticism are strengths, but lack of anticipation and small stature are weaknesses for the new Minnesota Viking.”

Murray should be able to overcome those weaknesses alongside Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, Jauan Jennings, T.J. Hockenson, Aaron Jones, and Jordan Mason in 2026. He also has the head coach behind him who is widely renowned for “whispering” to quarterbacks.

And, by the way, Minnesota showcased the NFL’s third-best defense in 2025, per EPA/Play and DVOA. The stars are aligning for Murray to play much better than the third-worst starter in the NFL, as Simms, as predicted.

Geno Smith and Jacoby Brissett Better per Simms

The most laughable part of Simms’ breakdown is the men ahead of him. Not Dak Prescotts and Trevor Lawrences; those are somewhat understandable.

It’s Geno Smith, Jacoby Brissett, Mac Jones, Cam Ward, and even Joe Flacco ranking ahead of Murray that is mind-boggling. On what planet did Smith, Brissett, Jones, Ward, and Flacco become more dangerous threats than Murray?

Murray didn’t need to get Top 10 placement from Simms, but when Smith, Brissett, Jones, Ward, and Flacco rank ahead of him on a list, something is fishy.

More Fuel for Murray

The next step for Murray? Prove that ranking batches like Simms’s is bogus. Murray isn’t required to perform at an MVP level to lead this team to victories. Above-average quarterback play should suffice to reverse some of the Vikings’ 2025 outcomes; in fact, in multiple contests last season, even merely competent quarterback play would have secured a win for Minnesota.

While he isn’t expected to “manage” games, the threshold for playoff contention isn’t exceptionally high. Baker Mayfield’s efficient, composed, and clutch performance in Tampa Bay serves as a salient example. Should Murray perform at a comparable level, Minnesota would be well-positioned, with even greater potential if he hits his stride.

Murray shouldn’t be viewed merely as a short-term solution, a strategy the Vikings have previously employed with quarterbacks such as Sam Darnold. If he performs effectively, there’s no impediment to his long-term tenure in Minnesota. His playmaking ability and arm talent elevate the team’s ceiling, offering an opportunity for continued success rather than necessitating another rebuild.

And it’s not like Murray needs more ammunition. The Cardinals already gave up on him. Now, ex-NFLers like Simms think he’s the third-worst starting quarterback.