Kyler Murray, JJ McCarthy give contrasting answers about Vikings QB room
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They were asked the same question, but Minnesota Vikings’ new quarterback teammates Kyler Murray and JJ McCarthy had two completely different answers.
McCarthy’s first full season with the Vikings (the 2025 first-round draft pick missed his entire rookie year due to a knee injury) was an up-and-down period despite a 6-4 record. In 10 games under center, he threw for 1,632 yards with 11 touchdowns and 12 interceptions and a 57.6% completion rate.
As a result, the Vikings moved to add a veteran this offseason, landing Murray, the former No. 1 overall pick of the Arizona Cardinals who was released after an up-and-down career in the desert.
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Kyler Murray and JJ McCarthy of the Minnesota Vikings watch during an OTA practice at the Twin Cities Orthopedic Performance Center in Eagan, Minn., on May 27, 2026. (David Berding/Getty Images)
But Murray’s arrival points to one thing: Who will be head coach Kevin O’Connell’s starting quarterback in Week 1? Many are pointing the finger at Murray, who is entering his eighth NFL season, rather than McCarthy, who may need some more development before taking over as the starter again.
Murray and McCarthy were asked about their relationship during offseason practice this week, and Murray gave the experienced answer you’d expect from a player on a new team.
“It was great,” Murray said of working with McCarthy. “Obviously I know he’s a younger guy, so I can help him in any way I can. I’ve been playing for seven years, going on eight. So I’m seen as an experienced guy, even though I don’t consider myself that. Give him the knowledge he needs. Again, we’re both competitors and I know we both want the best for the team.”
Murray was also asked how McCarthy could receive criticism or coaching from someone as experienced as himself.
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“Sure. He’s extremely accepting. He’s always communicating, asking questions. Stuff like that. So it’s been good,” he said.
All seemed well in Vikings territory until McCarthy gave a rather interesting answer to a similar question during his time available.
“It’s like two guys in a classroom,” he said of working with Murray. “He sits on one side, I sit on the other side, and it’s the coach’s responsibility to teach and coach us.”
Of course, reporters followed the Michigan product, and one asked if there was anything weird going on between them.
Kyler Murray of the Minnesota Vikings participates in a drill during an OTA practice at the Twin Cities Orthopedic Performance Center on May 27, 2026 in Eagan, Minnesota. (David Berding/Getty Images)
“Awkwardness? It’s the same feeling as when you were in high school and there was another person on the other side of the room. It’s kind of like that, so I wouldn’t say there’s any weirdness,” McCarthy replied.
There is no doubt now that these two will be competing head-to-head for the same job in training camp this summer. But as Murray said, there has to be a consideration of doing what is best for the team.
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It may be too early to look at McCarthy’s strange reaction, but at the same time, thoughts of the contentious quarterbacks room in Minnesota will no doubt filter into the minds of football fans ahead of an interesting preseason for the Vikings.
The Vikings failed to reach the playoffs last season, finishing 9-8 in O’Connell’s fourth year as head coach. This comes after a year with Sam Darnold at center and McCarthy rehabbing from injury.
Kyler Murray of the Minnesota Vikings participates in a drill during an OTA practice at the Twin Cities Orthopedic Performance Center on May 27, 2026 in Eagan, Minnesota. (David Berding/Getty Images)
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Darnold was not re-signed by the Vikings as Carson Wentz provided a backup for McCarthy when rosters were created in the 2025 offseason.
Instead, Darnold signed with the Seattle Seahawks and eventually helped lead them to a Super Bowl LX victory over the New England Patriots in February.
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