RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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The Minnesota Vikings named Kyler Murray the starting q uarterback on Tuesday afternoon, eliminating any doubt that the veteran was going to be beate n out by J.J. McCarthy.
After starting seven seasons with the Cardinals, Murray signed a one-year deal for the veteran minimum with the Vikings, a place where he wanted to go. All signs pointed to Murray becoming Minnesota’s new starting signal caller, but head coach Kevin O’Connell made it known that he had to earn it.
Earning it, he did. Murray was named the starter ahead of the Vikings’ preseason game against the New York Giants.
MORE: J.J. McCarthy’s next move after Vikings name Kyler Murray starter
What about J.J.?
Jan 4, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) talks with a referee before the game against the Green Bay Packers at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters) After trading up to pick J.J. McCarthy in the 2024 NFL Draft, the Vikings were hopeful they found their new franchise quarterback. But injuries have been a consistent theme for McCarthy in Minnesota. And entering Year 3, McCarthy has found himself on the bench after being named the starter last season.
Despite an up-and-down 2025 season, where he threw 11 touchdowns compared to 12 interceptions, O’Connell still believes there is a future for McCarthy in Minnesota.
“He’s still a guy that’s only played ten games,” O’Connell said on Tuesday . “He’s shown improvement off of last year. Even in this training camp with the work he’s put in and his comfort level, just growing a little bit day in and day out. Very excited to continue to get to work with him every single day, coach him.
“As he knows, he’s holding the pen on his story and we’re gonna support him and try to just help him continue to improve at the most difficult position in sports. He’s gotta also understand, this isn’t just a long-term mindset, which we want to have always for a player of his caliber and a young player like him, but it could be an immediate response needed. J.J.’s the kind of guy that’ll be ready to rock and roll, I know that.”
Is there a path for McCarthy to play?
Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) stiff-arms Green Bay Packers linebacker Ty’Ron Hopper (59) after a seven yard run during the first quarter of their game Sunday, January 4, 2026 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Credit: USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect (Reuters) As for the 2026 season, Kyler Murray will have to play poorly and lose games, or injuries would have to occur for J.J. McCarthy to see the field in a meaningful way.
The Vikings felt like they were a quarterback away from competing at a high level and Minnesota can’t afford to waste the prime years of Justin Jefferson.
But if things do go south for Murray or he commands a lot of money, could the Vikings turn back to McCarthy in 2027? It’s not out of the picture.
However, with how the tables have turned, McCarthy’s future in Minnesota is extremely murky.
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