The Minnesota Vikings will stage a quarterback competition between J.J. McCarthy and Kyler Murray this offseason. It had been assumed that Kyler Murray would be handed the starting quarterback reins following two difficult years for J.J. McCarthy.
A True Competition in Minnesota
According to NFL Network Insider Tom Pelissero, Minnesota envisions a genuine competition between McCarthy and Murray. Pelissero said that both players will believe they can win the job. He added that it could be a very competitive quarterback room. According to Pelissero, the coaching staff is keeping an open mind and the competition is wide open.
McCarthy has struggled in his two years in the NFL since the Vikings chose him 10th overall in the 2024 NFL Draft. He has thrown 12 interceptions in 10 games. McCarthy also missed his entire rookie campaign with a knee injury and dealt with multiple injuries in his sophomore season.
In January, head coach Kevin O’Connell called for more depth and competition in the QB room. Interim general manager Rob Brzezinski said in February that the franchise would explore every opportunity at QB in the offseason.
Murray’s Arrival and the QB Landscape
That opportunity arrived with Murray’s release by the Arizona Cardinals. He signed a league minimum deal with the Vikings quickly. Murray is a two-time Pro Bowler with seven seasons of NFL experience. Many likely viewed him as the unanointed starter.
Per Pelissero, the Vikings’ jury is still out on the most important starting spot on the roster.
Other Quarterback Situations Around the League
Just how many quarterback competitions will play out this offseason is still in flux.
The Atlanta Falcons and Cleveland Browns will certainly have two competitions. Michael Penix Jr.’s return from a knee injury could muddy the waters of his tussle with Tua Tagovailoa in Atlanta.
Signs point to Aaron Rodgers returning to the Pittsburgh Steelers and taking his starting role under center. However, if Rodgers doesn’t venture back to Pittsburgh, it’s likely that rookie Drew Allar, second-year QB Will Howard and veteran Mason Rudolph will duke it out.
In Arizona, Jacoby Brissett was assumed to be the starter, but as he looks for starter pay from the organisation, new head coach Mike LaFleur has stated that Brissett and Gardner Minshew both fit his system well, while the Cards also plucked Carson Beck in the third round of the draft.
The draft led off with the Las Vegas Raiders selecting Fernando Mendoza at No. 1 overall, but rookie head coach Klint Kubiak hasn’t hesitated to convey that he would be happy having a veteran — i.e., new signee Kirk Cousins– begin the season starting.
There will be a competition in the Twin Cities, though.
Murray, the