Vikings name Kyler Murray starter, keep J.J. McCarthy as backup

Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell confirmed on Tuesday that veteran free agent Kyler Murray will start at quarterback, leaving third-round pick J.J. McCarthy as the backup. Murray, who signed a veteran-minimum contract after being released by the Arizona Cardinals, is expected to lead the offense while the team evaluates his health and performance.

McCarthy told reporters he understands the competition for playing time and will continue to work hard, adding that he wants to remain in Minnesota. > "Obviously, every competitor wants to play," he said, according to an ESPN report. > "But moving forward, it’s just about continuing to work hard and just staying ready for when my number’s called."

Analysts note that McCarthy could become a trade candidate if another team needs a quarterback before the November 10 trade deadline, though no deal is imminent. Murray’s recent season was productive, but he missed 18 games over the prior three years and 12 games with a foot injury last season.

The quarterback change follows a turbulent offseason for the Vikings, which saw the dismissal of general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and the departure of former starter Sam Darnold and backup Daniel Jones in free agency. O’Connell said the organization will continue to support McCarthy’s development. > "As he knows, he’s holding the pen on his story," O’Connell said, as quoted by The Athletic. "We’re going to support him and try to help him continue to improve as a young player at the most difficult position in sports."