Minnesota Vikings name Kyler Murray as starting quarterback over J.J. McCarthy

Minnesota Vikings have named Kyler Murray as their starting quarterback for the 2026 NFL season, settling the training‑camp battle with J.J. McCarthy. Murray, who signed a one‑year contract with Minnesota after being released by the Arizona Cardinals, will take over as the Vikings’ QB1 for the regular season. The move makes Murray the fourth different Week 1 starting quarterback for the Vikings in as many seasons, following Kirk Cousins, Sam Darnold and McCarthy. Murray arrived at camp with substantially more NFL experience than his rival. The former No. 1 overall pick in the 2019 draft has logged 87 career starts, amassing 20,460 passing yards and 121 touchdown passes while also contributing 3,193 rushing yards and 32 rushing scores. His recent production has been limited by injury; he appeared in just five games for Arizona in 2025 after suffering a foot injury. McCarthy, selected 10th overall by Minnesota in the 2024 draft, missed his entire rookie campaign after tearing a meniscus and then started 10 games in 2025. He finished those starts with a 6‑4 record as the Vikings ended the year 9‑8 and missed the playoffs. His passing line in that span featured a 57.6 % completion rate, 11 touchdowns and 12 interceptions, leaving the door open for the Vikings to turn to Murray. Throughout the offseason Minnesota insisted the starting job would be earned in a legitimate competition. Head coach Kevin O’Connell split first‑team reps between Murray and McCarthy during offseason work and training camp, evaluating how each quarterback managed the offense and the pressure of the contest. Earlier Associated Press reporting described Murray as the presumptive favorite because of his experience, while the Vikings continued to afford McCarthy a chance to close the gap. The decision gives Murray an opportunity to revive his career in an offense that features All‑Pro wide receiver Justin Jefferson and other established weapons. For McCarthy, the outcome represents a notable setback after the Vikings invested a top‑10 draft pick in him two years ago. Minnesota will now open the season with Murray as QB1, while McCarthy shifts to a backup role and looks to continue developing his game.