The quarterback situation for the Minnesota Vikings is interesting. After signing Kyler Murray to a one-year deal, it seems that J.J. McCarthy isn’t overly happy with his new teammate. His press conference comments raised eyebrows, and he’s being criticized for how he’s handling the situation.
Dan Orlovsky Criticizes J.J. McCarthy and Tells Him To “Win the Job on the Field”
While Murray praised his teammate and stated that he wanted to help him, McCarthy wasn’t as thrilled. The younger quarterback stated that their situation “is just like a classroom” and that “it’s the coach’s responsibility to teach.”
Understandably, McCarthy isn’t happy with his upcoming battle. He was a first-round pick in 2024, but injuries and poor performance haven’t convinced Minnesota that he’s their franchise quarterback. Signing Murray, a former first overall pick, was a way to build competition and perhaps bring the best out of McCarthy.
But his mentality has been harshly criticized by a former NFL quarterback. Dan Orlovsky, during a segment on ESPN’s “Get Up,” didn’t agree with how McCarthy handled the question and gave him a reality check: if you want to start in the NFL, the job should be won on the field, not with a microphone.
“J.J. McCarthy, you’ve got to win the job on the field, not in the press conferences,” Orlovsky said. “I have supported J.J. McCarthy. I’m a fan of J.J. McCarthy. I’m not giving up on him. But here in the press conference, in relation to ‘it’s me on one side, and Kyler on the other’, and this, and that, let’s go win the job on the field and not in the press conference, okay? Let’s just go play quarterback, not divide the locker room.”
Murray is the more established quarterback, having led the Cardinals to the playoffs once. While his talent is undeniable, Arizona decided to take a clean slate with Mike LaFleur taking over as the head coach in 2026. He signed a one-year, prove-it deal with the Vikings with hopes of reviving his career with Kevin O’Connell.
The pair is expected to battle for the starter quarterback job during training camp, but early indications point to an advantage for the veteran. With the Vikings looking to find their next franchise quarterback, a good season from Murray could make him a surprising long-term option in Minnesota.
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McCarthy did not play in 2024 and struggled for most of 2025. According to PFSN’s QB Impact Metric, Murray posted an impact score of 75.1 last season, ranking 21st in the league, whereas McCarthy was ranked 37th, with an impact score of 64.3.
Orlovsky’s call for him to prove his worth on the field is fair and justified after two disappointing seasons. If he doesn’t respond well to the challenge, his future in the NFL might be over sooner rather than later.
