What grade did CBS Sports give the Vikings offseason?

May 25, 2026 - 09:09

The Minnesota Vikings entered the 2026 offseason with a clear mandate: reshape the roster around a new quarterback. They did exactly that, but CBS Sports sees the result as a mixed bag, handing the team a modest grade that reflects both high upside and serious risk.

The biggest headline was the arrival of quarterback Kyler Murray, a dynamic playmaker who brings a different dimension to the offense. His mobility and arm talent could elevate a unit that struggled with consistency last season. However, the grade was tempered by the massive defensive turnover. Key veterans departed in free agency, leaving holes in the front seven and secondary. The team invested draft capital in replacements, but relying on rookies and unproven backups is a gamble.

CBS Sports noted that while Murray gives the Vikings a higher ceiling, the floor has also dropped. The defense, once a strength, now looks like a work in progress. The grade reflects a team that is better on paper at the most important position but worse in areas that win games in December. The 2026 season will hinge on whether the new pieces can gel quickly. If Murray plays at his best and the young defense matures fast, the grade will look too low. If the defense struggles, the grade will prove generous. For now, Minnesota is a team of fascinating uncertainty.