McCarthy Says Kyler Murray Battle Is a True Competition
J.J. McCarthy said kyler murray is part of a quarterback battle the Vikings have told him is a true competition. The 23-year-old said there is no awkwardness between them, even as both quarterbacks worked with the first-team offense on Wednesday.
McCarthy said the message from Vikings leadership was straightforward: the job is open. That came during Day 2 organized team activities, when he and Murray both took first-team reps in 7-on-7 and 11-on-11 work.
McCarthy and Murray in Minnesota
McCarthy described the early relationship with Murray as “just like two guys in a classroom.” He also said, “I wouldn’t say there’s any awkwardness.”
Murray, a 2-time Pro Bowler who signed with the Vikings in March, was just as direct about the exchange of information. He said McCarthy has been “overly receptive” to critiques and that the younger quarterback has been active in communication and voicing questions.
First-Team Reps at OTAs
On the field, the split was clear early in practice. McCarthy took snaps from Blake Brandel during work with the centers, while Murray worked behind Michael Jurgens. Both quarterbacks then joined the first-team offense in the competitive periods.
The setup gives the Vikings a real evaluation point, even if the heavier part of the battle is expected later. McCarthy said he returned to Minnesota by late March after working with trainer John Beck in California, and he also worked out with Justin Jefferson during the offseason.
McCarthy’s Approach
McCarthy tied the competition back to his own recovery and routine. He said an injury to his throwing hand ended his 2025 season and that it took a couple of weeks before he was back to 100%.
His approach now is simple. “Every single offseason, in-season, I’m gonna work my tail off,” he said, adding, “It doesn’t matter what the situation is around me. I’m gonna control what I can control and do the best thing I can for this team.”
That leaves the Vikings with two quarterbacks sharing the same space in June and one job still up for grabs. Wednesday showed the club is treating McCarthy and Murray like legitimate options, not placeholders, and the next stretch of work will keep testing that order inside the first-team offense.
