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

Minnesota coach Kevin O'Connell said on Tuesday that Kyler Murray will be the Vikings' starting quarterback, ending the open competition with rookie J.J. McCarthy. Murray, who signed a one-year contract worth $1.3 million after being released by the Arizona Cardinals, was favored to win the job from the start of training camp.

"In my opinion, he's got the skillset and the abilities not only from the standpoint of accuracy and his ability to affect the game with his athleticism, but he's also proven to be smart, very hardworking, and able to take in a lot of information and churn that out," O'Connell said. "We really want to give him the opportunity to start building a comfort level not only with the system but with the guys." The decision makes McCarthy, the No. 10 pick of the 2024 draft, the team's second-string quarterback. O'Connell emphasized that McCarthy still has a future with Minnesota. "He's holding the pen on his story and we're going to support him and try to help him continue to improve as a young player in the most difficult position in sports," the coach added. Both quarterbacks are slated to play in the upcoming preseason game against the New York Giants. Murray, 29, spent seven seasons with the Cardinals, earning Rookie of the Year honors in 2019 and two Pro Bowl selections before injuries limited his recent production. The Vikings, who recently dismissed their general manager amid quarterback uncertainty, view Murray as a chance to stabilize the position. McCarthy, 23, entered the season after missing his rookie year with a knee injury and struggled with accuracy and decision-making as a starter. O'Connell noted that while McCarthy showed progress, the gap between him and Murray remained significant. The Vikings' schedule gives Murray a month of full-time practice with the starting offense before the regular season begins on September 13 against the Green Bay Packers. The contract includes a clause preventing a franchise tag in 2027, allowing Murray to become a free agent if he chooses.