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See the full story · 3 sources‘I’m Not Really Too Focused on the Long-Term Vision’ — Kyler Murray Bluntly Addresses Vikings’ QB Battle With J.J. McCarthy
After joining as the 10th overall pick in 2024, J.J. McCarthy is yet to lock down the QB1 spot for the Minnesota Vikings. He missed his entire first season because of a knee injury, and with no momentum on his side, his second year was rocky, to say the least.
As a result, Minnesota brought in Kyler Murray this offseason on a veteran minimum deal to create some competition at quarterback.
However, the starting job is still there for the taking, leaving fans and analysts debating who will come out on top. Even with so much uncertainty to go around, Murray is not interested in looking too far ahead.
Kyler Murray Wants to Focus on Himself Amid QB Battle With J.J. McCarthy
Speaking with reporters on July 29 , Murray stressed that his attention is on the present rather than the outcome of the competition.
“I’m not really too focused on the long-term vision of it,” he said. “I’m focused on the process, and that’s day-to-day, coming out here with this walkthrough and then practice later.”
The former Pro Bowler will enter the 2026 season with an opportunity to reset his career, provided he stays healthy. For now, Murray has one objective: “Prove to the coaches and guys what I’m capable of.”
Early signs from training camp are encouraging for the Vikings. According to insider Jori Epstein, Murray practiced without pads but still opened the first 11-on-11 period by leading the first-team offense. He also connected with wide receiver Jordan Addison on a pass that traveled roughly 30 yards down the left sideline.
Murray last completed a full campaign in 2024, throwing for 3,851 yards and 21 touchdowns while adding 572 rushing yards and five more scores. A foot injury then limited him to five games in 2025, when he posted an 88.6 passer rating with 962 passing yards, six touchdowns, and three interceptions.
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If he can stay on his feet, the Vikings’ quarterback battle could become far more competitive than expected.
On the other hand, McCarthy is looking to put a frustrating 2025 campaign behind him.
He finished with 1,632 passing yards, 11 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions across 10 games while posting a 72.6 passer rating. Those numbers fell well short of the expectations that surrounded him entering the year.
As a result, he received a 67.0 grade in PFN’s Quarterback Impact Metric , placing him 34th among qualifying quarterbacks.
Despite this uneven quarterback play and several other setbacks, Minnesota closed the season with a 9-8 record and finished third in a loaded NFC North, where every team ended the year above .500.
All things considered, a robust passing game could push them into the NFC playoff picture this season.
For now, analysts believe Murray is on track to take the starting job while McCarthy can eventually step up as a starter later in the season.
If Murray opens the year as the starter, the Vikings will look to continue developing McCarthy behind the scenes. That way, if Murray struggles to deliver consistent results, the former Michigan quarterback will be better prepared to step in and keep the franchise on track.
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