The Kyler Murray sweepstakes weren't like most quarterback free agency sagas. After being released by the Arizona Cardinals, Murray was available on the open market for just $1.3 million. It was an intriguing option for quarterback-needy teams like the Pittsburgh Steelers, who were listed as one of his top landing spots.
Instead, Murray decided to sign with the Minnesota Vikings. He stepped into an ideal situation, with talented pass catchers and one of the most respected offensive play-callers in the sport. Of course, the Steelers were left to re-enter the Aaron Rodgers cycle.
But after Murray's rough start with the Vikings and the Steelers' opening win, Pittsburgh won't feel too bad about missing out on the quarterback.
Kyler Murray immediately made Steelers feel better about Aaron Rodgers
On his first pass as a Minnesota Viking, Murray threw an interception. With a Green Bay Packers blitz in his face, he heaved up a pass off his back foot, seemingly not even seeing where he was throwing the ball.
It sailed into double coverage, underthrown by a few yards, and was easily intercepted by Packers defensive back Keisan Nixon. The Packers quickly moved down the field and turned the interception into a field goal, taking an early lead. From his first pass with the franchise, Murray was setting his team back.
An undersized and often erratic player, this pay isn't out of character for Murray. During his time with the Cardinals, he often panicked in the face of pressure. It was one of the consistent issues that led to his release.
Of course, the quarterback's career with the Vikings won't be defined by one play. But that pass will make the Steelers feel just fine about their current QB situation.
Rodgers played one of his better games with Pittsburgh in the season opener. His touchdown and 221 passing yards helped the Steelers pull out a victory over the Atlanta Falcons. He may not be a long-term answer like Murray might have been, but Rodgers at least looked like the better quarterback in the early going.
He was creative with the ball in his hands and looked comfortable in the offense. The same couldn't be said of Murray throughout his Week 1 showing.
Again, it's just one play. But the Steelers will be glad that they don't have to deal with Murray's antics at quarterback throughout the season. Another season of Rodgers is suddenly looking a bit more palatable.
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