Vikings Draw QB Prediction From National Media
The primary storyline in the Minnesota Vikings conversation will remain the quarterback competition between third-year player J.J. McCarthy and free agent addition Kyler Murray. The latter is the favorite, but the former could certainly unseat him, given that all reports out of Eagan, MN, suggest we’ll witness a true competition.
Over the next few weeks, the passers will try to get a head start in OTAs and minicamp, while the real competition will likely take place in training camp a couple of months from now.
Matt Okada of NFL.com wrote about McCarthy vs. Murray.
“The situation in Minnesota appears to be wide open,” Okada introduced the topic. “According to NFL Network Insider Tom Pelissero, Minnesota envisions this as ‘a true competition.’ And it’s not hard to see why. The franchise drafted McCarthy 10th overall in 2024, and he logged a 6-4 record over 10 starts in 2025 after missing the ’24 season due to injury. However, he dealt with injuries again in ’25 and was downright awful statistically — his 57.6 percent completion rate and 72.6 passer rating were both worst among the 34 QBs with at least 220 pass attempts last season.”
McCarthy got his first NFL experience in his second NFL season after missing his debut campaign on IR. He didn’t lose his injury bug, suffering a high ankle sprain, a concussion, and a hand injury in 2025. All three injuries cost him valuable reps.
When he was on the field, McCarthy’s play was way too inconsistent and flat-out erratic to be happy about his performance. To have a shot at the starting job, McCarthy needs to work on his mechanics. Failing to hit open receivers is a death sentence for any quarterback.
Okada continued, “Conversely, Murray is a two-time Pro Bowler and a dynamic dual-threat, but he’s played only one full season since 2021 and recorded only one winning record as a starter in seven years with the Cardinals. Also, Minnesota is paying him the league minimum, so this is more or less a free trial for them.”
Both McCarthy and Murray can use their legs to wound defenses. Murray brings much more experience to the table, having played in seven NFL seasons. A hot start to his career has long cooled off, as injuries have limited his playing time over the years.
His last extended look in a season came in 2024 when he started all 17 games and logged 26 touchdowns en route to an 8-9 season. An ACL injury cost him time in 2022 and 2023 and a foot injury (and the tanking Cardinals) sidelined him for most of the 2025 season.
He’s cheap, but there’s a real path towards redemption. Murray has the arm and the legs to be the next QB revival tour in the NFL, especially in an offense that has everything a passer needs to succeed.
Okada emphasized the importance of health: “Both of these QBs need to stay healthy to have a shot at starterdom. But if both are available, Murray should win the job: He has the higher floor and higher ceiling, and this roster is capable of winning now. Like Daniel Jones (with Shane Steichen) and Baker Mayfield (with Dave Canales), Murray could see a renaissance season with QB-whisperer Kevin O’Connell. I believe KOC will feel the same way and give him the opportunity.”
O’Connell has shown a knack for getting the most out of veteran quarterbacks. Kirk Cousins and Sam Darnold thrived under his guidance. Even backup-caliber players such as Nick Mullens and Joshua Dobbs delivered some decent results with him in their corner. More frustrating was the play of young players Jaren Hall and McCarthy.
Okada predicted that “Murray starts Week 1, keeps the job and wins 10+ games.”
That’s not far-fetched by any means. Murray could certainly revitalize his career in Minnesota’s offensive surroundings, led by coach O’Connell and all-world receiver Justin Jefferson.
The quarterback position will remain the thing to watch throughout 2026. Okada’s money would be on Murray.
Editor’s Note: Information from PFF, Over The Cap, and Sports Reference helped with this article.