Vikings appoint Kyler Murray as starting quarterback over J.J. McCarthy

Minnesota head coach Kevin O'Connell told the team on Tuesday that Kyler Murray will be the Vikings' starting quarterback, ending the preseason competition with former first-round pick J.J. McCarthy. The decision was made four days before the Vikings' opening game against the New York Giants, earlier than the contest was expected to be resolved.

Murray, released by the Arizona Cardinals after seven seasons, joins a Minnesota offense that includes wide receiver Justin Jefferson, running backs Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason, and tight end T.J. Hockenson. The Vikings' defense ranked third in total yards allowed and seventh in points allowed last season.

"Murray and McCarthy pushed each other during this competition, but it did feel like the veteran was ahead," said NFL Network analyst Ian Rapoport on a sports radio program.

The move gives the Vikings clarity at the quarterback position and allows the offense to practice exclusively with Murray ahead of the regular season.