The start of the NFL training camp is right around the corner, and the Minnesota Vikings (who start camp July 28) have one major question to answer before the regular season begins: Who will be the starting quarterback for the 2026 season?
New free-agent addition Kyler Murray and former first-round draft pick J.J. McCarthy will compete during training camp to determine the Week 1 starter.
Although Murray appears to be the favorite, Head Coach Kevin O’Connell has maintained that both quarterbacks have a legitimate chance to earn the job. McCarthy showed improvement late last season and enters his third year with the organization, factors that could strengthen his case.
Vikings’ Offensive Woes Had a Lot to Do With Injuries
Minnesota’s offense struggled throughout the 2025 season. The Vikings ranked in the bottom five in total yards, yards per game, passing yards and passing yards per game. They also finished in the bottom 10 in points scored, points per game, rushing yards and rushing yards per game.
Despite those offensive struggles, Minnesota finished 9-8 and narrowly missed the playoffs.
The offense’s lack of production was largely the result of injuries and offensive line issues. Minnesota tied for second most in the NFL with 60 sacks allowed.
Several key offensive linemen missed significant time because of injuries. Star left tackle Christian Darrisaw missed seven games with lingering knee issues. Center Ryan Kelly missed nine games after sustaining a concussion, while right tackle Brian O’Neill missed three games with a knee injury.
Other notable offensive players who missed time included McCarthy, Aaron Jones, and Carson Wentz, all of whom were sidelined for at least five games.
Quarterback instability also contributed to offensive struggles. Minnesota started three different quarterbacks during the season. McCarthy made 10 starts, Wentz started five games, and rookie Max Brosmer started two.
The trio combined to throw for 2,802 yards, 17 touchdowns, and 21 interceptions while posting a 75.3 passer rating and completing 61% of their passes.
Those numbers were well below expectations for a team that finished only a couple of wins short of a playoff berth. Even a small improvement at quarterback in 2026 moves the needle to put Minnesota in playoff contention.
Kyler Murray’s Fit in Minnesota
Murray, 28, was selected first overall by the Arizona Cardinals in 2019 and spent seven seasons with the franchise. During that span, he won NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2019, earned two Pro Bowl selections, passed for 20,460 yards, accounted for 153 total touchdowns, and led Arizona to the playoffs in 2021.
Last season, however, Murray started only five games, throwing for 962 yards with six touchdowns and three interceptions. He missed 12 games because of a foot injury that lingered throughout the season. Injuries have been a recurring issue during his career, as he also missed significant time in 2022 and 2023 while recovering from a torn ACL.
Arizona released Murray in early March, and he signed a one-year contract with Minnesota shortly afterward. The Vikings will pay 1.3 million of his $36.8 million salary for 2026, with the Cardinals responsible for the remainder.
Murray has expressed enthusiasm about joining Minnesota.
“I cannot wait to touch the field and be a Minnesota Viking,” Murray said.
He has stated he grew up a Vikings fan because he played on a youth football team named the Vikings.
His excitement to join Minnesota shows an eagerness to embrace a new opportunity rather than show frustration over his release.
Murray’s talent is undeniable. He possesses a strong arm and elite athleticism, allowing him to extend plays and create explosive opportunities. His mobility has been one of his greatest strengths throughout his career. During his seven seasons in Arizona, he rushed for more than 3,000 yards and scored more than 30 rushing touchdowns.
His ability to escape pressure can help Minnesota reduce the number of sacks that plagued the offense last season.
The Vikings also provide Murray with arguably the best group of skill-position players he has played with, including Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, Juan Jennings, and T.J. Hockenson. That collection of offensive talent could make Minnesota’s passing attack especially dangerous.
Murray’s seven seasons of NFL experience are his biggest advantage over McCarthy. Although he hasn’t won a playoff game, he has led his team to the postseason and understands what it takes to compete at a high level. That experience could play a significant role in the quarterback competition.
What Is J.J. McCarthy’s Upside?
Although many around the league believe Murray to open the season as Minnesota’s starting quarterback, McCarthy remains firmly in the race.
Justin Jefferson addressed the quarterback competition during the offseason.
“He still has to prove himself to be the starter of our team. The quarterback position is not just given to Kyler; it’s earned,” Jefferson said. “So, if J.J. comes in and be that dynamic player that he is, and leading the guys and leading the team to where we feel like is the right direction, then that’s the decision that the coaches will make.
The 23-year-old enters his third NFL season after missing his rookie year with a torn meniscus. McCarthy made his first career starts last season.
McCarthy threw for 1,632 yards, 11 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions while posting a 72.6 passer rating in 10 games. Those numbers fell short of what teams typically expect from a starting quarterback in the NFL.
However, McCarthy ended the season on a high note. During his final four games, he led the Vikings to a 4-0 record while throwing for 703 yards, accounting for seven total touchdowns and committing only three turnovers.
McCarthy’s strong finish showed significant improvement from his first six games of the season and can give O’Connell and Minnesota’s coaching staff confidence that he is ready to take another step in 2026.
Beyond his youth and potential, McCarthy benefits from familiarity with the organization. He enters his third season under O’Connell and alongside many of the same offensive playmakers, possessing that chemistry advantage.
McCarthy has also earned praise for his leadership. He was named team captain in 2025 after quickly establishing himself as a leader in the locker room.
One additional advantage for McCarthy is his experience taking snaps from under center. Most of Murray’s career has been spent operating from the shotgun because of Arizona’s offensive system and playbook. Reports indicate O’Connell prefers an offense that features more snaps from under center, an area where McCarthy had more experience.
The Impact of the Decision
Minnesota is expected to announce its starting quarterback closer to the team’s joint practice with Baltimore, which is Aug. 19.
Whoever wins the competition will have the opportunity to improve the position after the team’s inconsistent quarterback play last season. There is concern within Minnesota that if the offense does not improve, star wide receiver Jefferson could eventually consider playing elsewhere.
If either Murray or McCarthy delivers even average quarterback play, Minnesota should have an opportunity to compete for a playoff spot. The defense is expected to remain among the league’s best, and the offense has the talent to be productive if it can stay healthy.
Although naming a Week 1 starter does not guarantee that a quarterback will hold the job all season, the decision will shape the direction of Minnesota’s offense entering the 2026 campaign.
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