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Vikings quarterback battle meets expected end as Kyler Murray beats out JJ McCarthy for starting job
By Armando Salguero
Published August 11, 2026
If two quarterbacks who have been inconsistent in their careers and inconsistent in practice despite moments of clarity need to settle the battle for the starting job, what does an NFL franchise do in picking one? The Minnesota Vikings answered that on Tuesday by picking Kyler Murray.
Minnesota coach Kevin O'Connell has named Kyler Murray his starting quarterback, the club announced.
A Vikings source told Fox News Digital/OutKick that picking Murray over third-year veteran J.J. McCarthy was the expectation even before Tuesday's decision.
Kyler Murray and J.J. McCarthy of the Minnesota Vikings look on during an OTA workout at Twin Cities Orthopedics Performance Center in Eagan, Minn., on May 27, 2026. (David Berding/Getty Images)
Yes, this was predictable.
VIKINGS SIGNING KYLER MURRAY MAKES J.J. MCCARTHY ODD MAN OUT
The sources pointed to Murray's greater experience in his eighth NFL season as a major factor in separating him from the younger McCarthy.
This is not good news for McCarthy. The No. 10 pick of the 2024 draft, he is now sidelined at a time in his career when most first-rounders are expected to blossom as veterans.
McCarthy, who missed his rookie year with a knee injury, has only 10 NFL starts and that inability to hold the starting job and beat out Murray raises questions about his future.
Kyler Murray of the Minnesota Vikings participates in a drill during an OTA workout at Twin Cities Orthopedics Performance Center in Eagan, Minn., on May 27, 2026. (David Berding/Getty Images)
The Vikings may decide McCarthy is a valuable trade commodity because they also have Carson Wentz and Max Brosmer on the roster.
Murray, who has been splitting first-team practice repetitions with McCarthy throughout the offseason and at the start of training camp, can now move forward as not only the team's clear starter but leader.
He apparently could use as much work with the starters on offense as he can get in the month that remains before the regular-season opener because Murray has by multiple accounts, struggled at times in recent weeks.
Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) addresses the media during Minnesota Vikings Rookie Camp on May 10, 2024, at TCO Performance Center in Eagan, MN. (Nick Wosika/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
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The Vikings begin the season on Sept. 13 against the Green Bay Packers.
In winning the starting job, Murray will be trying to replicate the success Sam Darnold enjoyed with the club in 2024. Darnold jumped from team to team and came to the Vikings needing a career reset.
He got that by beating out McCarthy once news of the rookie's injury came to light. And he went on to have a great season and eventually signed with the Seattle Seahawks before leading them to the Super Bowl title last season.
Murray, the No. 1 pick of the 2019 draft, signed a one-year deal with Minnesota in the offseason with the thought of earning the starting role, but also finding a place in which he could eventually settle over the latter part of his career.
Murray is scheduled to be a free agent after this season, so winning this starting job is a significant step toward accomplishing that goal.
The next step would be, you know, playing well – certainly playing better than he's practiced at times lately.
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https://www.foxnews.com/sports/vikings-quarterback-battle-meets-expected-end-kyler-murray-beats-jj-mccarthy-starting-job