The Minnesota Vikings have selected Kyler Murray as their starting quarterback for the upcoming season, concluding an offseason competition with JJ McCarthy. Murray, 29, signed a one-year deal worth $1.3 million with the Vikings after his release from the Arizona Cardinals.
This decision was confirmed by Adam Schefter on Tuesday afternoon. Murray's contract with the Vikings was a minimum deal, with Arizona continuing to pay him $35.5 million. He joined the Vikings with the aim of securing the starting position.
McCarthy, a former first-round draft pick, will serve as the backup quarterback. This marks a setback for his NFL career, particularly after he missed his entire rookie season due to injury. Last year, McCarthy started 10 games for Minnesota, achieving six wins before his season was again shortened by injuries.
The competition took place during training camp in Eagan, Minnesota, where both players had opportunities to demonstrate their skills to head coach Kevin O'Connell. Murray received the majority of first-team repetitions as he integrated into O'Connell's offensive system.
Murray will now have a full month of practice with the Vikings' starting offense before the regular season opener against the Green Bay Packers on September 13. This marks the fourth consecutive year the Vikings will have a different Week 1 starting quarterback, following Kirk Cousins, Sam Darnold, and McCarthy in previous seasons.
