Kyler Murray Just Beat Out J.J. McCarthy for the Vikings Starting Job. Here’s What It Means.
Kyler Murray is your Minnesota Vikings starting quarterback. Kevin O’Connell made it official before Tuesday’s practice, and J.J. McCarthy is now the highest-drafted backup in the NFL. This is the story of the 2026 NFL preseason.
Murray signed with the Vikings in March on a one-year, $1.3 million veteran minimum deal after the Cardinals released him. That is a shocking number for a former first overall pick who has made two Pro Bowls, but he came with baggage: a serious knee history and a bloated contract nobody wanted to touch. Minnesota saw a bargain, and now they have a starter.
How McCarthy Lost the Job
McCarthy started 10 games last season and went 6-4 with 11 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. He completed 57.6 percent of his passes and threw for 1,632 yards. Those are not disaster numbers for a rookie learning the ropes, but they were not good enough to hold off a healthy veteran.
The Vikings drafted McCarthy 10th overall in 2024, and the plan was always for him to develop behind an established quarterback. He tore his meniscus and lost his entire first year, then got thrown into the fire in Year 2. He showed flashes, and he also showed the growing pains of a young passer with limited college reps at Michigan.
Murray showing up on a minimum contract created competition. The competition turned into a real battle in training camp. Murray won it because he has been in the league since 2019 and he can still spin the ball.
Why Murray Fits Kevin O’Connell’s System
O’Connell has built one of the most quarterback-friendly systems in football. His scheme creates layers of easy reads, quick throws, and pre-snap answers. He turned Sam Darnold into a Pro Bowler in 2024 and has a chance to do the same with Murray.
Murray’s mobility is a bonus. When O’Connell’s structure breaks down, Murray can extend plays with his legs the way Josh Allen or Jalen Hurts do. Justin Jefferson has been begging for that kind of quarterback since Kirk Cousins left town, and he finally has one.
The Fantasy Football Angle
Jefferson’s fantasy value just went vertical. Murray is going to push the ball down the field, and Jefferson is the best deep target in the NFL. Jordan Addison also benefits because Murray likes to spread targets around and take shots outside the numbers.
Murray himself becomes a top-eight fantasy quarterback again if he stays healthy. His rushing floor gives him a bump every week. Draft him accordingly.
What Happens to McCarthy
McCarthy is not going anywhere. The Vikings still believe in him, and the front office is not going to cut bait on a 2024 first-rounder after 10 starts. He will continue to develop behind Murray for at least this season. If Murray gets hurt, McCarthy is right there.
Longer term, McCarthy has to sit and learn, then compete again next summer. Being a starter in the NFL takes reps, and the reps are hard to fake. This year is a redshirt with a chance to spot-start if things break sideways.
The Bottom Line
Minnesota went from a middling QB room to a legitimate playoff contender with one veteran minimum signing. Murray gets a fresh start with a top-tier receiver corps and an offensive genius calling plays. Minnesota gets a proven starter while McCarthy gets another year to develop.
That is a win for everyone but the NFC North. The Packers, Lions, and Bears just got a much tougher opponent than they were expecting.
A longtime sports reporter, Carlos Garcia has written about some of the biggest and most notable athletic events of the last 5 years. He has been credentialed to cover MLS, NBA and MLB games all over the United States. His work has been published on Fox Sports, Bleacher Report, AOL and the Washington Post.
