According to NBC Sports research, Kyler Murray prepares to make his first start for the Minnesota Vikings, tying the franchise with the Cleveland Browns for the most starting quarterbacks in the NFL since 2023 with nine.
The Cost of Quarterback Turnover in Minnesota
Roster volatility has defined the Vikings’ depth chart since Kirk Cousins suffered a torn Achilles tendon at Green Bay while starting the first eight games of 2023, according to team history and NBC Sports data. That injury triggered a rapid succession of replacements, including Jaren Hall making two starts, Joshua Dobbs starting four, and Nick Mullens stepping in for another four games.
Sam Darnold provided a brief window of stability by starting all 17 regular-season games in 2024, guiding the offense before the position shifted again. Subsequent starts went to J.J. McCarthy with 10 games, Carson Wentz with five, and Max Brosmer with two, pushing the franchise toward an era of revolving leadership.
Pro Tip: Examining historical roster stability offers clear indicators for team success.
Comparing Franchise Quarterback Histories Across the League
While the Vikings match the modern era with nine starters since 2023, the Cleveland Browns represent a historical outlier across multiple decades. According to NBC Sports research, Cleveland has deployed 42 starting quarterbacks since returning to the NFL in 1999, a mark no other professional franchise has approached within that same timeframe, as no other organization has started more than 30 during that same period of time.
Minnesota’s recent trajectory contrasts sharply with its own recent past. During Kevin O’Connell’s debut season in 2022, Kirk Cousins started every regular-season contest. That unbroken durability, mirrored again in 2024 with Sam Darnold, directly coincided with Vikings playoff appearances.
Current Roster Depth and Future Outlook
Given that Wentz and McCarthy are currently on the roster and Brosmer is on the practice squad, the Vikings likely won’t start a tenth different quarterback in 2026.
Did You Know? No other team has started more than 30 during that same period of time since 1999, far outpacing the rest of the league in position turnover over the last two and a half decades.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many quarterbacks have started for the Vikings since 2023?
According to NBC Sports research, Kyler Murray becomes the ninth different quarterback to start a game for Minnesota since the 2023 season.
Which NFL team has used the most starting quarterbacks since 1999?
According to NBC Sports data, the Cleveland Browns hold that distinction with 42 starting quarterbacks since returning to the league in 1999.
Which seasons did the Vikings reach the playoffs under Kevin O’Connell?
The Vikings advanced to the postseason in 2022 and 2024, seasons in which a single quarterback started every regular-season game.
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