Vikings Reportedly Name Kyler Murray Starting Quarterback Over J.J. McCarthy

A decision is in! The Minnesota Vikings have named Kyler Murray their starting quarterback for the 2026 NFL season over J.J. McCarthy, ESPN reported on Tuesday afternoon. Minnesota signed Murray, the No. 1 pick in the 2019 NFL Draft out of Oklahoma, to a one-year deal in March after the quarterback was released by the Arizona Cardinals. Murray was cut short after five games due to a foot injury. In the last full season he started (2024), Murray totaled 3,851 passing yards, 21 passing touchdowns, 11 interceptions and a 93.5 passer rating, while completing 68.8% of his passes. He also rushed for 572 yards and five touchdowns. Murray was the 2019 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year and a Pro Bowler in both 2020 and 2021 with the Cardinals, which got him a five-year, $230.5 million extension in the 2022 offseason. That said, Murray’s 2022 campaign ended in Week 14 due to a torn ACL, which kept the quarterback off the field until Nov. 2023. As for whom Murray beat out for the starting job, McCarthy, whom Minnesota traded up to select with the No. 10 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft out of Michigan, missed his rookie season due to a torn meniscus and was limited to 10 starts in 2025 due to ankle, head and ankle injuries, respectively. The Vikings open their 2026 preseason on the road against the New York Giants on Saturday afternoon. They open their regular season at home against the Green Bay Packers on Sept. 13. This is a developing story. Check back for updates.​The Minnesota Vikings have reportedly decided whether Kyler Murray or J.J. McCarthy will be their starting quarterback.