The Minnesota Vikings are going through their off season program such as OTA’s, mini camp and alike, and a prominent factor within that is the quarterback competition between newly brought-in QB Kyler Murray and third-year player JJ McCarthy.
Minnesota signed Murray back in March to a one-year deal worth $1.3 million. The Arizona Cardinals are to pay Murray $36.8 million for this season as they’re on the hook for that. Murray was brought in to compete with McCarthy and the competition is starting to become more evident.
McCarthy talked to reporters on Tuesday after practice about the competition and how he assessed his performance saying, “I feel so good,” McCarthy said. “Every single rep, every single year, more and more experience just helps build that confidence and that familiarity within the scheme. Right now, I feel the best I’ve ever felt playing the game of football, especially this team.”
Vikings JJ McCarthy Makes His Feelings Clear About QB Competition
He also talked about the distribution of reps with the first-team offense noting, “Those reps being distributed are something out of my control,” said McCarthy. “and the only thing I focus on is that next rep and keeping it as simple as that.”
McCarthy expressed wanting to be with the organization and how much the Vikings mean to him, adding, “I think I made it very clear I wanted to be here before I got here. I love this organization. I love the coaching staff. I absolutely love these players to death. This is where I want to be. I feel like I can thrive in this system.”
JJ McCarthy Overview
McCarthy was drafted by the Vikings with the 10th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft out of Michigan. McCarthy helped leaded the Wolverines to an undefeated 15-0 season in 2023, winning the National Championship against Washington. McCarthy didn’t have much of a rookie season in the NFL, as he tore his meniscus in the pre-season, which his ended his rookie campaign.
Last season, McCarthy passed for 1,632 yards and 11 touchdowns to 12 interceptions with a 72.6% passer rating in 10 games played. He did miss some time due to injury as well, such as a high ankle sprain in week 2 against the Atlanta Falcons subsequently putting him out for five games. He also dealt with a concussion in Week 12 and a hand injury in Week 16 against the New York Giants.
McCarthy vs. Murray
McCarthy wasn’t the only to talk about the competition, Kyler Murray did as well, with him stating, “Me personally, I’m not too worried about the competition side of things, honestly,” Murray said. “To answer your question: Yes, the competitor I am, everybody out here holds themself to a high standard.”
Murray has been in the NFL for seven years, going into his eighth. He’s been a pro- bowler, gone to the playoffs and such. Things didn’t work out in Arizona toward the end of his tenure there but his veteran experience in the league could possibly give him the slight edge over McCarthy in the QB battle but McCarthy’s draft selection could give them more of a reason to start him week 1 against the Green Bay Packers.
Who will get the start at the beginning of the season, Murray or McCarthy?
Main Image: Matt Blewett-Imagn Images
