New Clues Emerge about Kyler Murray and J.J. McCarthy

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New Clues Emerge about Kyler Murray and J.J. McCarthy

New Clues Emerge about Kyler Murray and J.J. McCarthy — Jan 4, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) warms up before the game against the Green Bay Packers at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images | Sep 25, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) against the Seattle Seahawks at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Dustin Baker · Vikings Territory

Wed, May 20, 2026 ·

4 min read

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J.J. McCarthy will verifiably battle for the Minnesota Vikings ' QB1 job this summer, and he probably won't be traded — that's the word from NFL Network 's Tom Pelissero this week, who sized up Minnesota 's quarterback room.

Minnesota's quarterback picture has two big names worth tracking.

Training camp is 10 weeks away, and McCarthy, indeed, will be front and center.

Pelissero Adds Fresh Context to Minnesota's QB Plan

Murray may be the frontrunner, but don't think McCarthy is a chump.

NFL Network reporter Tom Pelissero appears during coverage at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. Vikings quarterback battle — NFL Network reporter Tom Pelissero appears during media coverage at the NFL Scouting Combine inside the Indiana Convention Center on Feb. 25, 2025, in Indianapolis. Pelissero reported on league developments while coaches, scouts, and executives evaluated draft prospects and discussed offseason plans ahead of free agency and the 2025 NFL Draft process. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images.

Pelissero on McCarthy, Murray

Pelissero spoke at length this week about the Vikings' quarterback room, notably saying , "They're not just gonna punt up on him (McCarthy). If this were just Kyler's job, and J.J. is competing with Carson Wentz to be the two, you would've traded J.J."

"You would've gotten what you could get for him already. The longer you wait to trade a guy like J.J. McCarthy, the less his value is. Other teams trade for untapped potential."

So, the clues, per Pelissero, point to McCarthy having a real chance to dethrone Murray as the top dog.

It's the Best of Both Worlds

One year ago, the Vikings faced an offseason with questions aplenty at quarterback. They could roll with McCarthy, hell or high water, a route they ultimately traveled. Minnesota could've re-signed Sam Darnold , who guided the team to a 14-3 record in 2024 before passing gas on the season's two grandest stages. The Vikings could've re-signed Daniel Jones and asked him to battle McCarthy for the 2025 QB1 job. Or they could've hopped into bed with a veteran like Aaron Rodgers , giving McCarthy another redshirt year to watch and learn.

The Vikings chose McCarthy — and only McCarthy.

That strategy did not pan out, as Minnesota missed the playoffs and now wonders if McCarthy is the right person to lead the franchise at quarterback. Therefore, adding Murray in 2026 symbolizes a change in philosophy. It's the best of both worlds. Between Murray and McCarthy, one stable QB1 is more likely to emerge. It's not McCarthy-or-bust in 2026, as it was in 2025.

Two Hungry QBs

Meanwhile, both men are motivated. Murray may be embarrassed by his exit from the Arizona Cardinals . That franchise wanted nothing to do with him during its change-filled 2026 offseason, preferring a sandwich of Jacoby Brissett and Carson Beck at quarterback. Murray has the opportunity in Minnesota to show that Arizona was dead wrong for kicking him to the curb.

For McCarthy, he was supposed to be the Golden Boy — the man who could somewhat seamlessly replace Darnold last offseason. Instead, the youngster could not stay healthy — he battled a high ankle sprain, concussion, and broken hand in 2025 — and when he played, his performance scattered all over the board, from clutch 4th Quarter demon to a man who looked herky-jerky in the pocket with suspect mechanics.

Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray looks across the field during pregame warmups at State Farm Stadium. Vikings quarterback battle — Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray surveys the field during pregame warmups at State Farm Stadium on Aug. 8, 2019, in Glendale before a preseason matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers. Murray prepared for one of his first professional appearances as the Cardinals evaluated the rookie quarterback during early NFL exhibition action in front of the home crowd. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports.

Both men have something to prove in 2026. That's all there is to it. Murray wants to reclaim his status as one of the Top 12 NFL quarterbacks. McCarthy has the onus to show he belongs in a QB1 role.

Vikings linebacker Blake Cashman said this week about Murray's intro to the team: "Kyler's been great. I would say with where we're at, and have been in the offseason program, obviously the offense and the defense has been pretty separate, but Kyler has been very engaged with everybody in the building. From what I've seen, and in our locker room."

"We went as a group to a Minnesota Wild playoff hockey game, and he was there, and that I think that's important, especially being a new guy, because you're into a brand new environment working with brand new people, and those relationships haven't formed yet. But to put yourself out there and get to know your teammates, and start building those relationships is important to having a good football team."

Wentz as Insurance

Pelissero claimed that Minnesota won't trade McCarthy and that he's embedded in a real camp battle for the top job. Incidentally, if Murray and McCarthy perform poorly or fall victim to injury, Minnesota has last year's QB2 ready and waiting: Carson Wentz .

Vikings quarterback Carson Wentz warms up before a game against the Philadelphia Eagles at U.S. Bank Stadium. Vikings quarterback battle — Minnesota Vikings quarterback Carson Wentz participates in pregame drills before facing the Philadelphia Eagles at U.S. Bank Stadium on Oct. 19, 2025, in Minneapolis. The veteran quarterback prepared to face his former team for the first time with Minnesota while fans filled the stadium ahead of a highly anticipated NFC matchup under the bright indoor lights. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images.

Wentz propelled Minnesota to a 2-3 record last year, playing more consistently than McCarthy but also showcasing a limited ceiling. McCarthy has the upside to be great at 23; Wentz is a placeholder QB2 at this career juncture.

Still, the Vikings learned from their quarterback injury misery last year and in 2023. It's a three-way crowd in 2026 — Murray, McCarthy, and Wentz — with a side dish of Max Brosmer , an undrafted rookie from the University of Minnesota last year.

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