Vikings Name Kyler Murray Starting Quarterback
Kevin O'Connell ended the camp-long competition on Tuesday, with J.J. McCarthy responding that Minnesota is 'the place I want to be' despite losing the job.
Minnesota Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell named Kyler Murray the team's starting quarterback on Tuesday, ending a competition with J.J. McCarthy that ran through the first two weeks of training camp.
Why did the Vikings go with Murray?
O'Connell said Murray had "shown enough" through camp and that the staff was enticed by "what could be" with the seven-year veteran running the offense. Murray signed a one-year deal with Minnesota in March 2026 after spending his first seven NFL seasons with the Arizona Cardinals, who selected him No. 1 overall in 2019.
How did McCarthy respond?
McCarthy said he's staying focused on his role behind Murray rather than dwelling on the decision. "This is the place I want to be," he said. "I love every single person in this building." He added that he tried to focus only on "that next rep" throughout the competition and called Murray "one of my teammates that I care for and respect."
What does this mean for McCarthy's future?
McCarthy, the 10th overall pick in the 2024 draft, missed his entire rookie season to injury before starting 10 games in 2025. He now moves to the backup role behind Murray, with veteran Carson Wentz also on the roster as depth at the position.
Players in this story
Sources
- ESPN: J.J. McCarthy says Vikings QB decision out of his control, wants to remain in Minnesota
Minnesota Vikings betting odds
Super Bowl futures, win totals & where to bet
FanDuel Sportsbook: New-customer welcome offer. New customers only. First online real-money wager only. Any bonus is issued as non-withdrawable bonus bets that expire; eligibility and restrictions apply. See the current offer and full terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com.
21+ and present in select states. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. Hope is here. GamblingHelpLineMA.org or call (800) 327-5050 for 24/7 support (MA). Call 1-877-8HOPE-NY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY). FanDuel is offering online sports wagering in Kansas under an agreement with Kansas Star Casino, LLC. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, KY, MI, NJ, OH, PA, IL, TN, VA, VT), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD), 1-800-522-4700 (WY), or visit www.1800gambler.net (WV).
Fanatics Sportsbook: Up to $1,000 in FanCash Matched Bets. New customers in AZ, CO, CT, DC, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, MO, NC, NJ, NY, OH, PA, TN, VA, VT, WV or WY. Apply the promotion in your bet slip and place a $1+ cash wager (min odds -200) daily for 10 consecutive days starting the day of account creation. FanCash rewards equal the qualifying wager amount (max $100 FanCash per day). FanCash issued under this promotion expires at 11:59 p.m. ET 7 days from issuance. Terms, including FanCash terms, apply - see the Fanatics Sportsbook app.
21+ and present in a state where Fanatics Sportsbook operates. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
Touchdown Week may earn a commission when you sign up through our links, at no cost to you. Please bet responsibly.
