Splitting reps with another quarterback has always been a bone of contention in this league of ours. The Minnesota Vikings’ QB pair is waking up to that realization, as Kyler Murray competes with J.J. McCarthy for the Vikings’ starting QB job.
Splitting reps with McCarthy has made things tougher for Murray, who has already shown glimpses of frustration. The situation has escalated a bit in recent days, so much so that two-time Super Bowl-winning running back LeSean McCoy is now serving a reality check to Murray.
Kyler Murray Slammed by LeSean McCoy for Latest Comment on Sharing Reps
Murray took the first snaps with the starting offense during Tuesday’s mandatory minicamp, opening team drills as QB1. However, he didn’t hold the role exclusively, as he split first-team reps almost evenly with McCarthy, who also worked extensively with the starters.
Murray later said that adjusting to a new offensive scheme while sharing reps with McCarthy has made the transition more difficult.
On the “Speakeasy” podcast, LeSean McCoy minced no words while talking about Murray’s comments.
“I love a super-confident, arrogant player, that’s good,” McCoy said. “But you know what? I hate a super-cocky arrogant player that is just barely above average… That’s not that good. That’s a little above average. That is Kyler Murray.
“He gets so bad where he starts. You know what? I’ve been great in high school. I’ve been great out, bro. What have you done for us lately? Because you’ve had some good wide receivers. You had some, and they still try to figure out what the hell you are doing.”
“I hate a super cocky arrogant player that is just barely above average… That’s Kyler Murray”
– @CutonDime25 responds to Kyler’s recent presser where he seemed to take subliminal jabs at JJ McCarthy about not getting enough reps
WE ARE LIVE https://t.co/yjPLFvsT6j pic.twitter.com/s1VazKq4As
— Speakeasy (@speakeasytlkshw) June 10, 2026
Murray was selected first overall in the 2019 NFL Draft by the Arizona Cardinals and was brought in by the Vikings this year as they look to stabilize the quarterback position after McCarthy’s struggles last season.
BE AN NFL GM: PFSN’s Ultimate GM Simulator
However, early signs at minicamp haven’t been encouraging, as ESPN’s Lindsey Thiry reported Murray had difficulty during 7-on-7 drills, including a stretch where he threw back-to-back turnovers.
While Murray’s adjustment to a new system offers some context for the slow start, his mistakes in non-contact drills still raise concerns about his early form.
McCoy also made it clear he isn’t convinced Murray is the unquestioned starter in this competition.
“I keep saying, why is everybody acting like he’s about to save the day, because if you really watch Kyler Murray, he comes off like a quarterback that is super talented… He always starts hot and eventually ends cold,” McCoy said.
“This is not dissing Kyler Murray, but we hype him up for what, because he was drafted No. 1 overall. Is that what it is? Because the truth of the matter is, you really watch his career. I mean, it’s been kind of overrated, and we hype him up for no reason. I think this is a good quarterback battle.”
Murray is attempting to reboot his career in Minnesota after a difficult 2025 season in Arizona, where he recorded a 75.1 PFSN QB Impact score and received a C grade.
As for McCarthy, he started 10 games in 2025, finishing 6-4 with 12 interceptions and a D grade in the PFSN QB Impact metric. He was briefly mentioned in trade speculation after Minnesota brought in Murray, but he has publicly expressed his commitment to staying with the franchise and continuing his development in Minnesota.
With two hungry QBs aiming to bounce back, it remains to be seen who ultimately wins the race in Minnesota as they look to pick up the pieces this year.
