J.J. McCarthy still in consideration for starting job over Kyler Murray

TL;DR

J.J. McCarthy remains in contention for the starting quarterback position with the Minnesota Vikings, competing against veteran Kyler Murray. The team plans to hold a true competition for the role, according to NFL insider Tom Pelissero.

Key points

J.J. McCarthy is competing for the starting QB job
Kyler Murray was added to the Vikings roster
The competition is expected to be intense
Tom Pelissero reported on the quarterback situation
Both quarterbacks believe they can win the job

Minnesota VikingsJ.J. McCarthyKyler Murray

Jan 4, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) warms up prior to the game against the Green Bay Packers at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images

The Minnesota Vikings added veteran quarterback Kyler Murray to the depth chart this offseason after J.J. McCarthy struggled to stay healthy and produce when he was on the field last season.

However, the Vikings aren’t handing the starting job to Murray, according to NFL insider Tom Pelissero, and McCarthy can win the starting job over Murray in what is expected to be a “true competition” between the two of them.

“They envision it being a true competition: Kyler Murray versus J.J. McCarthy,” Pelissero said during an appearance on The Rich Eisen Show. “And both these guys are going to go into this believing they’re gonna win this job. I don’t know, frankly, how friendly that quarterback room is going to be. It’s going to be a very competitive quarterback room.

“From everything that I’ve understood, it is truly wide open, they’re keeping an open mind as a coaching staff.”

Murray is coming off his own health concerns, after his season with the Arizona Cardinals last season was marred by a foot injury that cost him the bulk of the campaign.

It’s clear that the Vikings organization has little patience for a rebuild after watching former quarterback Sam Darnold lead the to a Super Bowl victory last season. So, in what figures to be a completely merit-based approach to the most important position, whoever is ready to produce at the highest level will earn the job in Minnesota.

Q&A

What is the competition between J.J. McCarthy and Kyler Murray about?

The competition is for the starting quarterback position for the Minnesota Vikings, with both players vying for the role.

Why did the Minnesota Vikings add Kyler Murray to their roster?

The Vikings added Kyler Murray to provide depth after J.J. McCarthy struggled with health and performance last season.

What did Tom Pelissero say about the quarterback competition?

Tom Pelissero stated that the Vikings envision a true competition between Kyler Murray and J.J. McCarthy, with both believing they can win the starting job.