Vikings' J.J. McCarthy offers ideal mindset on Kyler Murray QB battle

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May 28, 2026 - 02:39

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Vikings' J.J. McCarthy offers ideal mindset on Kyler Murray QB battle originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

This offseason couldn't have been easy for Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy, as the franchise signed a player to directly replace him.

Having been so-so in his first season as a starter in 2025, the Vikings decided to sign veteran Kyler Murray to be in competition with McCarthy for the starting role under Kevin O'Connell.

For most, this is Murray's job to lose simply because he's the better quarterback right now, and that can be tough to hear for a young player at the beginning of his career.

And as Vikings OTAs got underway, McCarthy has revealed his mindset in what is no doubt a tough situation.

"Look, the organization made a decision that they feel like is going to improve the depth and the quality of the room," McCarthy said via Fox Sports. "All I’m thinking about is continuing the upward trajectory that I set for myself last season — that last quarter of the season — and continuing to be the best version of me every single day."

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Can McCarthy win QB battle?

Of course, he can, and it isn't like Murray is coming off a stellar time in Arizona either, going 10-12 in his last two seasons.

But Murray is the better quarterback, there's no doubt, but McCarthy has more room to improve than Kyler, which could be on display as the offseason rolls on.

Now, do I think McCarthy will beat out Murray? I don't. But that doesn't mean it can't happen, after all, the offseason is an interesting place where strange things happen.

Right now, it does feel like Murray has the inside track, but McCarthy can show he's worthy of being the starter as well.

Time will tell if he's good enough.