The Minnesota Vikings’ quarterback battle between J.J. McCarthy and Kyler Murray is setting the pace for the team’s OTAs and training camp. The Vikings’ head coach, Kevin O’Connell, shared an update on where the two quarterbacks are currently standing and what it’ll take for them to win the starting job. 

At their second OTA, both quarterbacks took snaps alongside starters against the first-team defense as the team looked for their best QB1 option. The head coach is pleased with how both quarterbacks have handled the competition.

“I’ve been really happy with the way both of these guys, J.J. and Kyler, have kind of attacked it in their own individual kind of ways, knowing that they’re competing,” said O’Connell to reporters on Thursday. “These guys are working every day, they know that.”

McCarthy had the starting quarterback role last year. After missing the 2024 season, his rookie year, due to a torn meniscus, McCarthy’s comeback in 2025 found him still struggling. 

His multiple injuries, including a hairline fracture in his throwing hand, limited him to only 10 games in 2025 and severely hindered his overall development. He recorded 1,632 yards, 12 interceptions against 11 touchdowns, and ended with a completion rate of 57.6%.

So, Minnesota's 9-8 campaign featured three quarterbacks, with McCarthy joined by Carson Wentz and Max Brosmer in leading the offense at various points during the year.

However, the Vikings decided to add more depth and strength to their current quarterback room. They brought in Murray, who already has seven years of experience with the Arizona Cardinals, in March on a one-year contract. 

In the five games Murray played in 2025 with the Cardinals, he recorded 962 passing yards, six touchdowns and ended with a completion rate of 68.3%.

McCarthy wasn’t on board immediately with Murray's arrival, seeing that his starting quarterback role took an unpredictable turn.

However, O’Connell addressed this tense competition by saying that "the greater good of the Minnesota Vikings and the team ceiling" is the most important thing to both McCarthy and Murray. 

J.J. McCarthy Breaks Silence on Vikings’ Adding Murray

Per a report by the Associated Press, the Vikings’ decision to bring in Murray because of his skills and experience has made him their presumptive starting quarterback. However, the coaching staff has called this an open competition for the QB1 spot. 

McCarthy shared his opinion with the reporters after the team’s first offseason practice session last week. 

“Look, the organization made a decision that they feel is going to improve the depth and quality of the room,” said McCarthy. “All I’m thinking about is continuing the upward trajectory that I set for myself last season and continuing to be the best version of me every single day.”

During the Vikings' second OTA practice of the spring, both Murray and McCarthy rotated in with the projected starters and took reps against the likely first-team defense. Murray made the strongest impression, connecting on several deep throws.

McCarthy's performance was largely clean, with one near-interception. However, a gap was noticed between his current stage of development and Murray's established skill set.

What do you think of the quarterback competition in Minnesota? Share your thoughts.

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Written by

Naomi Grace

Edited by

Soheli Tarafdar