(Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)
The Minnesota Vikings have named Kyler Murray their starting quarterback, coach Kevin O’Connell confirmed Tuesday.
The decision ends a quarterback competition between Murray and J.J. McCarthy that many expected to continue into the preseason. Murray had been the favorite to win the job since signing a one-year, $1.3 million contract with Minnesota in March following his release by the Arizona Cardinals.
McCarthy, the No. 10 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, will move into the backup role after making 10 starts in his first NFL season.
Murray Wins Vikings QB Competition
O’Connell said the Vikings wanted to settle the competition around this point in training camp to give Murray enough time to build chemistry with the first-team offense before the regular season.
“There’s moments in time where you know there’s comfort from Kyler in the scheme,” O’Connell said. “He had some really high completion days where he was able to show some really, really good understanding of just putting the ball in play, playing with great timing, rhythm.”
O’Connell also pointed to Murray’s accuracy, athleticism, intelligence and ability to process information as factors in the decision.
Both Murray and McCarthy will play in Saturday’s preseason opener against the New York Giants, but Murray will now receive the majority of his practice reps with the starters.
“The competition was what it was and it’s everything I expected it to be,” Murray said. “I didn’t expect to be handed the job or anything like that. I just expected to come here and compete. I’m very appreciative of how it was.”
McCarthy Moves to Backup Role
The decision comes despite some uneven practices from Murray in recent days. He threw two interceptions during Sunday’s full-pads stadium practice, but McCarthy was unable to make enough of an impression to overtake him.
O’Connell said he still believes McCarthy has a future with the Vikings despite the demotion.
“He’s still a guy that’s only played 10 games,” O’Connell said. “He’s shown improvement off of last year. Even in this training camp with the work he’s put in and his comfort level, just growing a little bit day in and day out.”
McCarthy missed his entire rookie season because of a torn meniscus before taking over as Minnesota’s starter last season. He completed 57.6% of his passes for 1,632 yards, 11 touchdowns and 12 interceptions while leading the Vikings to a 6-4 record in his 10 starts.
Murray Gets Chance To Revive Career
Murray, 29, spent his first seven NFL seasons with the Arizona Cardinals after they selected him first overall in the 2019 NFL Draft. He won Offensive Rookie of the Year that season and earned Pro Bowl honors in 2020 and 2021.
However, injuries and inconsistent play eventually led the Cardinals to move on. Murray played only five games in 2025 and finished the season on injured reserve with a foot injury.
The Vikings now represent an opportunity for Murray to reset his career under O’Connell, who previously helped Kirk Cousins and Sam Darnold produce career-changing seasons.
Murray will also have a strong group of offensive weapons around him, led by star wide receiver Justin Jefferson. Minnesota also has running backs Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason, wide receiver Jordan Addison and tight end T.J. Hockenson.
Vikings Hope Murray Can Follow Darnold’s Path
The Vikings are hoping Murray can follow a similar path to Darnold, who revived his career in Minnesota in 2024 before signing a three-year, $100.5 million contract with the Seattle Seahawks.
Murray’s one-year deal with Minnesota could give him a similar opportunity if he performs well. The Vikings agreed to a contract clause preventing them from using the franchise tag on him in 2027, giving him a clear path to unrestricted free agency.
A strong season could therefore put Murray in position for a significant payday next offseason.
Vikings Give Murray Time To Prepare
The timing of the decision gives Murray roughly a month to work exclusively with Minnesota’s starting offense before the regular season begins.
The Vikings open the regular season Sept. 13 against the Green Bay Packers, giving Murray time to develop greater comfort in O’Connell’s offense and build chemistry with his new teammates.
McCarthy, meanwhile, will begin the season as Murray’s backup while continuing to develop and wait for another opportunity to reclaim the starting job.
