J.J. McCarthy has some competition. The Minnesota Vikings are bringing in Kyler Murray to challenge McCarthy for the starting quarterback job. The 23-year-old Michigan product wasn’t available for parts of last season, and when he was healthy, his play wasn’t particularly encouraging. The Vikings needed another quarterback and went with the former Pro Bowler.
Kyler Murray Signs with the Minnesota Vikings
Murray spent much of 2025 on the sidelines with an injury. Now, he’ll be heading to Minnesota to try to beat out McCarthy for the starting job.
The Vikings have talent across the roster, but their quarterback play hurt them last season. The former No. 1 pick inks a one-year deal with Minnesota to be that talented piece under center. Since he’s already owed money by the Cardinals for his release, he signed for the minimum to play for a contender.
Former Cardinals QB Kyler Murray is signing a one-year deal with the Vikings, per sources. Murray now will become part of a QB room that includes former No. 10 overall pick J.J. McCarthy.
With Murray already owed $36.8 million from Arizona, his one-year contract with the Vikings… pic.twitter.com/RSbFIVRssl
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 12, 2026
Murray is reportedly going to have a no-tag clause in his contract. He will be heading to free agency next season in search of a major payday if all goes well with Minnesota. This could be the beginning of the end for McCarthy in purple and gold if Murray wins the job and lights it up.
Justin Jefferson is going to be hyped up for this addition. The four-time Pro Bowler had the worst year of his six seasons in the NFL with McCarthy and others at quarterback. The only season that even comes close was his injury-shortened 2023, but even then, he outperformed himself in 2025.
Now, Jefferson gets a proven veteran who should consistently get him the ball, letting him impact the game like he’s always done. According to PFSN’s QB Impact Metric, McCarthy finished last season as the 37th-ranked quarterback in the league while Murray was ranked 21st.
Minnesota is a dangerous squad, as even with their rough quarterback play, they finished 9-8. Their defense will look a little different, especially up front, but Brian Flores, one of the more highly-regarded defensive minds in the NFL, is back as the defensive coordinator. Kevin O’Connell is one of the top head coaches in the league and will set this team up for success.
Murray is ready to lead Minnesota to a bounce-back season. He took to social media with a quick message to Vikings fans.
“Skol,” wrote Murray.
Skol. pic.twitter.com/pluMd4wp0k
— Kyler Murray (@K1) March 12, 2026
It may have been destiny with Murray rocking the Vikings jersey from a young age. He’ll have to win the starting job, but his NFL resume gives him a pretty good chance and creates plenty of worry for McCarthy’s future in Minnesota.
Editor’s Note: This is a breaking news story and will be updated throughout the day as more information becomes available.
