Vikings begin 2026 training camp with quarterback battle and roster questions
Minnesota's training camp opens Aug. 1 at the TCO Performance Center as the team evaluates Kyler Murray, J.J. McCarthy and a host of position battles ahead of the season.
The Minnesota Vikings will hold their 2026 training camp from Aug. 1 to Aug. 20 at the TCO Performance Center. Interim general manager Rob Brzezinski’s offseason moves produced a modest free-agent class, a notable draft and a potential new starting quarterback.
Kyler Murray signed a one-year, $1.3 million deal in March after being waived by the Arizona Cardinals, and head coach Kevin O'Connell said the quarterback competition will be open.
"We’re going to have an open competition with J.J. McCarthy for the starting job," O'Connell said.
Murray, who has seven NFL seasons of experience, is the favorite to start, but he acknowledged limited reps during OTAs made it harder to master the offense’s complexity. The Vikings will also consider J.J. McCarthy, the No. 10 pick of the 2024 draft, who has only ten NFL starts.
Key players to watch include first-round defensive lineman Caleb Banks, returning from a broken foot; left tackle Christian Darrisaw, who is expected to resume a full-time role after a knee injury; and running back Demond Claiborne, whose speed impressed during OTAs.
The team faces several position battles. Safety Harrison Smith’s future is uncertain, opening a spot that could be filled by veterans Jay Ward, Theo Jackson or third-round pick Jakobe Thomas. Center Ryan Kelly’s retirement leaves a vacancy that may be filled by Blake Brandel, who started nine games in 2025, or by backups Michael Jurgens and seventh-round pick Gavin Gerhardt.
Offensive coordinator Brian Flores is expected to experiment with personnel, especially on the defensive side, while head coach O'Connell has added veteran offensive line coach Frank Smith as assistant head coach and promoted Keith Carter to offensive line coach to improve the run game. The Vikings ranked among the league’s lowest in runs of 20 yards or more last season.
A projected 53-man roster lists Murray, McCarthy and Carson Wentz at quarterback; Aaron Jones Sr., Jordan Mason, Demond Claiborne and Max Bredeson at running back; and a deep wide-receiver group featuring Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison and Jauan Jennings. The offseason trade of outside linebacker Jonathan Greenard may prompt the Vikings to seek a veteran edge rusher before the regular season begins.