ESPN analyst Adam Schefter suggested that Kyler Murray has an edge over J.J. McCarthy in the Minnesota Vikings' ongoing quarterback competition. Schefter's assessment, made on ESPN's "Get Up," was influenced by comments from former Vikings receiver Adam Thielen.
"When Adam Thielen says that, then you have to assume that it's Kyler Murray’s job to lose," Schefter stated. "You have to assume that he’s [Murray] going to win the job unless we start hearing reports in training camp about how good J.J. McCarthy looks, how far he’s come along… until we start hearing those types of things, comments from coaches about J.J McCarthy stepping up and responding to the challenge and showing maturity… it sounds like Kyler Murray is gonna be the guy."
Thielen, speaking on ESPN Monday night, acknowledged that while the starting job is currently Murray's to lose, McCarthy still has an opportunity. "If J.J. comes and shows up and shows exactly what he wasn’t doing well last year… At the end of the day, they drafted him in the first round. They want him to have success. So if he comes and shows it, he can win that job," Thielen said. Former Broncos cornerback Domonique Foxworth echoed this sentiment, noting that if Murray performs well, "then it’s over for J.J. McCarthy there."
Vikings Head Coach Kevin O'Connell addressed the quarterback competition before training camp, stating that both quarterbacks will have opportunities to prove themselves. "Both Kyler and J.J. will take reps with the first team," O’Connell told reporters. "They’ll also take reps with the second group, and I think that gives different layers to the evaluation as well."
Murray, who spent seven seasons with the Arizona Cardinals, threw 121 touchdowns and ran for 32 more, guiding the team to the playoffs in 2021. McCarthy, who joined the Vikings, missed the entire 2024 season due to a knee injury. In his first starting season in 2025, he recorded 11 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. He finished with a 6-4 record as a starter, and the Vikings were 9-8 overall when his season ended due to a hand injury.
