All articles tagged with #kyler murray
Justin Jefferson says he will return to NFL elite status in 2026, praising Kyler Murray’s dual-threat ability and arm talent, while reflecting on last year’s measured comments and continuing to post top receiving numbers (1,048 yards in 2025) as Minnesota pursues another deep playoff run.
An NFL insider floated the idea that Minnesota could field trade calls for J.J. McCarthy as he competes for a backup role behind Kyler Murray, with Carson Wentz pushing him to QB3. McCarthy’s preseason reportedly hasn’t shown clear progress, prompting questions about his development and whether Minnesota can recoup value on draft capital if he ends up behind Wentz.
J.J. McCarthy’s second preseason showing for Minnesota did little to quiet concerns about accuracy and mechanics, finishing 5-for-10 for 81 yards and missing several open red-zone targets, including a wide-open Myles Price on a fourth-down play. Despite earlier talk of growth, the same issues that haunted him last season persisted, and the Vikings’ QB competition still centers on Kyler Murray for now. McCarthy remains a long way from a ready-to-play role after limited NFL experience and recovery from injuries.
Kyler Murray’s day against Baltimore’s defense was uneven, but his last snap—a left-footed, 40-yard TD to Justin Jefferson—sparked the Vikings and highlighted their big-play potential. The Ravens pressured Murray early and several passes sailed incomplete, underscoring ongoing work in pass protection and rhythm. Minnesota also pushed to improve the run game, with coaches urging more attack mode, while JJ McCarthy had a mixed showing and rookie Demond Claiborne flashed explosiveness before a fumble. Overall, the session showed both the ceiling for big plays and the work still needed to refine the offense.
Kyler Murray is not expected to play in Minnesota's second preseason game against the Ravens, with the Vikings prioritizing joint practices to evaluate the quarterback position. Murray played a brief opening drive against the Giants; J.J. McCarthy, Carson Wentz, and Max Brosmer rotated at QB, but Brosmer's status is unclear and no additional backups have been brought in. The team will monitor how snaps are divided if Murray remains inactive.
Kyler Murray has officially earned the Vikings’ QB1 label for 2026, while J.J. McCarthy’s future remains uncertain; in the first preseason game Minnesota edged the Giants 13-10 as Murray capped a 10-play, 54-yard opening drive, Wentz saw more action after Brosmer’s injury, the run game clicked behind Jones and Mason, Myles Price impressed with four receptions and a one-handed TD, and Dallas Turner and Jacob Thomas contributed on defense, all shadowed by Jamal Adams’ likely season-ending injury.
ESPN insider Adam Schefter sparked a debate by saying J.J. McCarthy will be ‘forced’ to back up Kyler Murray with the Vikings, but Ross Tucker questions the wording and the premise. In reality Minnesota handed the job to Murray after camp, given McCarthy’s limited NFL starting experience and injury history, leaving McCarthy in a development role with questions about his future and possible moves.
With Kyler Murray starting Week 1 over J.J. McCarthy, Daily Norseman roundtable participants debate whether the competition was real, how much McCarthy has progressed, and whether he’ll see another regular-season snap or land elsewhere as a backup or traded asset; while some see a future starter with the right coaching, others doubt McCarthy's long-term viability, and potential destination ideas include the Chargers, Buccaneers, Dolphins, and Patriots, among others.
After months of deliberation, the Vikings named Kyler Murray their starting quarterback over J.J. McCarthy, citing a cheaper, more mobile fit. McCarthy says he’ll stay ready, and a trade can’t be ruled out; Carson Wentz remains as a potential backup. Murray arrives on a veteran-minimum deal with injury history, a move that follows Minnesota’s leadership changes.
Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell named Kyler Murray Minnesota’s Week 1 starter over J.J. McCarthy, who handled the setback professionally and reaffirmed that Minnesota is the place he wants to be while staying ready as Murray’s backup.
Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy says he still believes he can be a starter in the NFL, but 2026 puts him as Kyler Murray’s backup after Minnesota’s decision. He emphasized he can’t control the outcome, will stay ready and continue developing, and will get a preseason chance against the Giants to showcase his abilities for future opportunities either with Minnesota or elsewhere.
Kyler Murray was named the Vikings' Week 1 starting quarterback over J.J. McCarthy, set to host the Green Bay Packers. Murray joined Minnesota on a one-year deal after seven seasons with Arizona, bringing veteran leadership as McCarthy, a 2024 draft pick, works to overcome injuries and adapt to the NFL.
Albert Breer reports that the Vikings named Kyler Murray their 2026 starter after training camp, praising his improved accuracy, rhythm and athleticism that should alter coverages, with the offense poised to boost the run game under Frank Smith and a growing pass rush led by Dallas Turner and other young talent, all within a culture built by coach Kevin O’Connell.
Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell said J.J. McCarthy is still developing despite flashes in camp, while Minnesota named Kyler Murray their starting quarterback on a one-year deal; McCarthy’s injury-plagued first seasons loom over the decision, but the team wants him ready if called upon.
The Minnesota Vikings named Kyler Murray their starting quarterback for the 2026 season after a spring-to-camp competition with J.J. McCarthy. Murray joined Minnesota on a low-risk one-year deal after being released by Arizona, while McCarthy remains the No. 2 and Carson Wentz could be a potential QB3, keeping the depth chart flexible as Minnesota aims to rebound with veteran leadership under coach Kevin O’Connell.