The Minnesota Vikings are moving forward with Kyler Murray as their starting quarterback, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
That decision comes after Murray and J.J. McCarthy spent training camp locked in a true competition for the job. Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell had said the reps would be split, and before Sunday night’s practice at TCO Stadium, he said the timeline for a decision had not changed and that both quarterbacks would keep competing.
Murray joined Minnesota on a one-year deal at the veteran minimum after being released by the Arizona Cardinals. He is heading into his eighth NFL season, and last year he started only five games.
For his career, Murray is 38-48-1 as a starter. In 2024, he threw for more than 3,800 yards and 21 touchdowns.
O’Connell is scheduled to meet with reporters ahead of Tuesday’s training camp practice at TCO Performance Center.
The Vikings’ first preseason game is Saturday at the New York Giants, although it is still unclear whether Murray will play or how much he would play.
For McCarthy, the move puts him in the backup role for now. The first-round pick in 2024 went 6-4 as Minnesota’s starter last season, but his year was interrupted by an ankle injury, a concussion and a fractured finger late in the season.
He also missed his entire rookie year because of a torn meniscus in his knee. McCarthy finished last season with 1,632 passing yards, 11 touchdowns and 12 interceptions.
Minnesota also has Carson Wentz and Max Brosmer on the roster.
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