Vikings choose Kyler Murray over J.J. McCarthy at quarterback
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 25, 2026, 5:24 AM
Last updated Aug 25, 2026
The Minnesota Vikings concluded their quarterback competition by selecting Kyler Murray over J.J. McCarthy following their first preseason game. Head coach Kevin O’Connell indicated the decision was made quickly, with some analysts claiming McCarthy's future in Minnesota is uncertain. NFL scout John Middlekauff expressed skepticism about McCarthy being the backup, suggesting it may be time for the Vikings to move on from him. Murray and veteran Carson Wentz are currently ahead of McCarthy in the depth chart, with the latter starting only 10 games in his career. McCarthy remains under contract through the 2027 season, but his role on the team could diminish if he does not secure a more significant position soon.
- •Vikings selected Kyler Murray as starting quarterback.
- •J.J. McCarthy's backup status is in doubt, according to analysts.
- •McCarthy was a first-round pick two years ago.
- •Vikings still hold McCarthy's contract until 2027.
- •Opportunity for McCarthy may decrease following roster moves.
- 9:53 PMYahoo Sports — ‘Picked the Wrong Guy’ — Ex NFL Scout Offers Harsh Reality Check to Vikings Amid J.J. McCarthy’s Uncertain Future
- 5:24 AMYahoo Sports — ‘Picked the Wrong Guy,’ ‘It’s Over’ — J.J. McCarthy Won’t Even Be a Backup QB For Vikings, Claims Former NFL Scout
"The competition to earn the starting quarterback position is in full swing in the NFL. The Minnesota Vikings were able to make the decision on who is going to earn the quarterback spot during training camp. The head coach of the organization, Kevin O’Connell, observed one preseason game, and it was enough for him to […] The post ‘Picked the Wrong Guy’ — Ex NFL Scout Offers Harsh Reality Check to Vikings Amid J.J. McCarthy’s Uncertain Future appeared first on Gridiron Heroics.
"The Minnesota Vikings were the first team to end their starting quarterback competition in training camp this year. It took just one preseason game for head coach Kevin O’Connell to pick Kyler Murray over J.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsAug 25, 2026, 9:53 PM‘Picked the Wrong Guy’ — Ex NFL Scout Offers Harsh Reality Check to Vikings Amid J.J. McCarthy’s Uncertain Future
The competition to earn the starting quarterback position is in full swing in the NFL. The Minnesota Vikings were able to make the decision on who is going to earn the quarterback spot during training camp. The head coach of the organization, Kevin O’Connell, observed one preseason game, and it was enough for him to […] The post ‘Picked the Wrong Guy’ — Ex NFL Scout Offers Harsh Reality Check to Vikings Amid J.J. McCarthy’s Uncertain Future appeared first on Gridiron Heroics.
- Yahoo SportsAug 25, 2026, 5:24 AM‘Picked the Wrong Guy,’ ‘It’s Over’ — J.J. McCarthy Won’t Even Be a Backup QB For Vikings, Claims Former NFL Scout
The Minnesota Vikings were the first team to end their starting quarterback competition in training camp this year. It took just one preseason game for head coach Kevin O’Connell to pick Kyler Murray over J.
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