The Minnesota Vikings’ quarterback battle between J.J. McCarthy and Kyler Murray may remain unresolved until the final stages of the preseason. Many expect Murray to emerge as the team’s starting quarterback, but NFL insider Adam Schefter believes McCarthy is still very much in the running.
Adam Schefter Keeps Faith in J.J. McCarthy Amid Vikings QB Battle
McCarthy is looking to rebound after a challenging 2025 season that was hampered by injuries and inconsistent play, recording 1,632 passing yards, 11 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions while posting a 72.6 passer rating in 10 games.
His performances earned him a 67.0 grade in PFN’s Quarterback Impact Metric, ranking him 34th among quarterbacks.
Minnesota’s decision to acquire Murray reflects the team’s desire for immediate stability under center, but it hasn’t diminished the franchise’s long-term belief in McCarthy. The former first-round pick struggled with accuracy at times last season, but he reportedly showed encouraging progress during spring workouts and continued to strengthen his chemistry with teammates.
McCarthy’s development should be easier to evaluate this season than it was a year ago, and the 2026 season presents a big opportunity for him to prove he can be the Vikings’ franchise quarterback. Schefter also believes McCarthy still has the inside track over Murray in the battle for the starting job.
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“I know everybody is anointing Kyler,” Schefter said of the Vikings quarterback competition on ESPN’s “Get Up” this week. “I’m not ready to just give up on J.J. McCarthy. That’s me. We’ll see.”
Murray enters the season with a chance to revive his career, provided he can stay healthy. His athleticism, arm talent, and extensive starting experience made a big impression on Minnesota’s coaching staff during offseason workouts.
Murray last enjoyed a fully productive season in 2024, throwing for 3,851 yards and 21 touchdowns while adding 572 rushing yards and 5 scores. A foot injury limited him to just five games in 2025, recording a passer rating of 88.6 with 962 yards, 6 touchdowns, and 3 interceptions.
There remains a realistic possibility that Murray opens the season as Minnesota’s starter before McCarthy eventually takes over later in the year. Meanwhile, McCarthy winning the QB1 job outright is still a viable scenario. Sports Illustrated’s NFL insider Albert Breer also reported on Monday that the Vikings have not “given up on McCarthy” despite acquiring Murray earlier this offseason.
Murray joined Minnesota on a one-year, $1.3 million contract after the Arizona Cardinals remained responsible for his fully guaranteed $36.8 million salary for the 2026 season. So, the Vikings have little financial incentive to keep Murray on the field if McCarthy proves he is ready during preseason action.
Unlike the Cleveland Browns, who face added pressure because of Deshaun Watson’s massive contract amid their quarterback competition with Shedeur Sanders, Minnesota has the flexibility to prioritize performance over salary.
