Detroit Lakes, MN (KDLM) – The Minnesota Vikings have settled their quarterback competition, and it did not take a preseason game to do it.
Kyler Murray has been named the team’s starting quarterback over J.J. McCarthy, sources told ESPN’s Adam Schefter, ending a battle that lasted just two weeks into training camp in Eagan. Murray will be under center when Minnesota hosts the Green Bay Packers on September 13th to open the regular season. Murray had been the favorite since he signed a one-year, $1.3 million contract on March 12th following his release by the Arizona Cardinals, who remain on the hook for $35.5 million of his salary.
The Vikings had promised an open competition and split first-team snaps between the two quarterbacks through the opening practices of camp, though ESPN reported Murray had been taking roughly two-thirds of the 11-on-11 work with the first-team offense.
The 29-year-old spent his first seven NFL seasons in Arizona after the Cardinals took him first overall in the 2019 draft. He won Offensive Rookie of the Year that season and made the Pro Bowl in 2020 and 2021, but injuries have repeatedly cut his seasons short. Murray started just five games last year, completing 68.3% of his passes for 962 yards with six touchdowns and three interceptions, and added 173 rushing yards and another score before a foot injury ended his year.
The decision sidelines McCarthy, the 10th overall pick of the 2024 draft, after 10 career starts, and raises questions about his future with the franchise. He missed his rookie season with a torn meniscus and was limited to 10 starts in 2025 by ankle, head and hand injuries, throwing for 1,632 yards with 11 touchdowns and 12 interceptions while completing 57.6% of his passes. Head coach Kevin O’Connell said after that season that he wanted competition at the position. Carson Wentz and Max Brosmer also remain on the roster.
All three of Minnesota’s quarterbacks combined for 17 touchdowns and 21 interceptions last season as the team finished 9-8 and missed the playoffs. Making the call now gives Murray a full month of practice with the starting offense before the opener.
It also means the Vikings will have a new Week One starter for the fourth consecutive season.
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