The Minnesota Vikings signed quarterback Kyler Murray to a one-year deal. There was a lot of speculation about the Vikings signing a veteran quarterback to the roster because of the struggles J.J. McCarthy had a season ago.
McCarthy is only 23 years old, but there are people who are wondering if he is already a bust. During the 2025 NFL season, he completed 57.6% of his passes for 1,632 yards, 11 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. McCarthy also rushed for 181 yards on 37 carries and four touchdowns, along with averaging 4.9 yards per rush.
As for Murray, he played only in five games last season for the Arizona Cardinals, he completed 68.3% of his passes for 962 yards, six touchdowns, and three interceptions. Murray also rushed for 173 yards on 29 carries and one touchdown, along with averaging 6.0 yards per carry. Who is going to have the edge in the starting quarterback battle potentially?
Minnesota Vikings Head Coach Kevin O’Connell Doesn’t Commit to Kyler Murray For Now
Head coach Kevin O’Connell spoke with Alec Lewis of the Athletic on Thursday about Murray being on the Vikings. It appears unknown who is going to be the starting quarterback at the moment. O’Connell said about not naming a starter yet, “Unless I’m confused in any way, shape or form. I don’t believe we have to name one of those currently.”
A lot of people from the outside believe that Murray is going to be the starting quarterback in 2026 over McCarthy. O’Connell probably knows deep down that it is going to be Murray’s job to lose. He probably doesn’t want to have to deal with another year of McCarthy, unless Murray gets hurt before the 2026 NFL season.
For now, it appears as if this going to be a “quarterback competition.” A lot of people understand that Murray has the upper hand here. The truth is that the Vikings didn’t sign Murray to have him be the backup to McCarthy. He can sit and learn for another year. If Murray lights it up, then maybe McCarthy is a career backup at best.
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Mar 13, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
