This offseason, another franchise has emerged with a strong quarterback competition. The Minnesota Vikings’ locker room is tense with J.J. McCarthy and Kyler Murray vying for the QB1 position. After the controversial comments McCarthy made, many, including a former player, have lost faith in him.

“Those are the guys that don’t trust J.J., and that's why you make the switch. J.J., I think, will firmly be planted as the backup,” Joe Thomas said on the Rich Eisen Show. “And that’s not to say that he doesn’t have a chance to continue to develop and then win the job at some point far down the line. But right now, it's clearly Kyler Murray’s job.”

In his appearance on the show on June 20, the former Cleveland Browns’ offensive lineman opined on how and why McCarthy slipped on the roster. The six-time All-Time Pro Bowler weighed in on the former Michigan player. The 23-year-old was picked 10th overall in 2024.

McCarthy could not translate his college national championship success into the NFL. A series of injuries limited him and didn’t even play in his rookie season. In the latter half of last season, he passed for 1,632 passing yards and 11 passing touchdowns against 12 interceptions. 

The Vikings signed Murray, a veteran with a 38-49-1 record, much to McCarthy’s dismay. His first interview after the acquisition resulted in criticism from fans and experts across the board.

“Look, the organization made a decision that they feel like is going to improve the depth and the quality of the room,” McCarthy said on May 27. “All I'm thinking about is continuing the upward trajectory that I set for myself last season.” 

Murray has joined the team after a 9-8 record with plenty of room to improve and develop. Head coach Kevin O’Connell has revealed that both QBs are taking their roles seriously. However, Thomas wants to see what Murray and O’Connell’s partnership would bring to the Vikings.

Joe Thomas on his expectations from Kyler Murray

The Minnesota Vikings are caught in a toss-up between J.J. McCarthy and Kyler Murray. Joe Thomas opined that Murray is the frontrunner and wants to see how he performs this season.

“I want to see what Kyler Murray and Kevin Oonnell can cook up. I want to see Kyler; it was not all his fault the last couple of years in Arizona, clearly, but he has taken a team to the postseason,” Thomas said on NFL on ESPN.

The Vikings signed Murray earlier in March, just after the Arizona Cardinals, his former franchise, released him. He was the first overall pick of the 2019 draft. His career record stands at 38-48-1, and Murray made one playoff appearance.

In the 2022 NFC Wildcard Game, the Cardinals lost to the Los Angeles Rams  34-11. What are your opinions? 

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Written by

Akanksha Biradar