Kyler Murray and J.J. McCarthy will split first-team reps as QB battle continues into Vikings camp
EAGAN, Minn. — The Minnesota Vikings quarterback competition is continuing into training camp.
Kyler Murray and J.J. McCarthy will split first-team snaps during the early portion of camp.
Head coach Kevin O’Connell met with each of his quarterbacks as they reported to camp this week to explain his vision and plan for managing snaps and determining who will start Week 1. O’Connell has an ideal timeline in mind for making a decision, he said Tuesday, though he declined to share it publicly.
“I told the quarterbacks: ‘We don’t need to make this 50-50,’” O’Connell said in an introductory news conference from team headquarters. “I know we’ll be thorough. I know both guys will feel like they’ve gotten an opportunity to compete.”
Vikings HC Kevin O'Connell on QB competition between Kyler Murray, J.J. McCarthy: "Both Kyler & J.J. will take reps with the first team. They’ll also take reps with the second group & I think that gives different layers to the evaluation as well.
— Jori Epstein (@JoriEpstein) July 28, 2026
"We want an elevator." pic.twitter.com/Q8qfuKEh7P
O’Connell expects Murray and McCarthy to have similar numbers of first-team reps initially but that gap will widen based off the structure of camp as well as what defensive coordinator Brian Flores is dialing up for his group at any time. Perhaps one quarterback will get more reps on a day because he’s shown the coaches less third-down work so far, for example. Another day, a different emphasis could shift the evaluation.
Second-team work with a less-advanced cast will also allow coaches to determine how the quarterbacks perform with more challenges.
“Both Kyler and J.J. will take reps with the first team,” O’Connell said. “They’ll also take reps with the second group and I think that gives different layers to the evaluation as well.”
The Vikings signed Murray in March after he was released by the Arizona Cardinals. The 2019 first overall draft pick played seven seasons in Arizona, completing 67.1% of passes for 20,460 yards, 121 touchdowns and 60 interceptions. He also rushed for 3,193 yards and another 32 touchdowns.
O'Connell met with each of his QBs over last day or so since they reported. Articulated Vikings vision, plan.
— Jori Epstein (@JoriEpstein) July 28, 2026
Goal: Ensure QB elevates team while recognizing need to give team and players clarity about who's QB1
Murray played just five games last season, throwing for six touchdowns and three interceptions last year. The Vikings signed him to a $1.3 million, one-year deal as the Cardinals continue to pay Murray.
The Vikings selected McCarthy 10th overall in the 2024 NFL Draft. He was sidelined all of his rookie year after suffering a torn meniscus during his preseason debut but returned last year to start 10 games amid additional injuries. McCarthy completed 57.6% of passes last season for 1,632 yards, 11 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. The Vikings went 6-4 in his 10 starts.
Through Murray’s time in Arizona, he compiled a 38-48-1 record.
The Vikings host the Green Bay Packers in their season opener on Sept. 13.
