Vikings name Kyler Murray starting quarterback for 2026 season
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 12, 2026, 12:21 AM
Last updated Aug 12, 2026
Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell confirmed Kyler Murray as the starting quarterback for Week 1 of the 2026 NFL season, with J.J. McCarthy serving as the backup. Despite some public messaging about a quarterback competition, it appears Murray slightly outperformed McCarthy during training camp. The team signed Murray to a one-year deal, indicating a pivotal audition period for his future. O'Connell acknowledged McCarthy's potential role within the franchise moving forward but noted that more substantial performance was needed for him to claim the starting position.
- •Kyler Murray named starting quarterback for the Vikings.
- •J.J. McCarthy will serve as the backup quarterback.
- •Competition between quarterbacks was deemed close but ultimately favoring Murray.
- •Murray signed a one-year, prove-it deal with the team.
- •McCarthy has potential but needs to perform better to earn a starting role.
- 8:37 PMYahoo Sports — How real was the Vikings' quarterback competition?
- 12:21 AMYahoo Sports — Was There Really A Quarterback Competition For The Minnesota Vikings?
"From the moment quarterback Kyler Murray joined the Vikings, it seemed as if the starting job was his to lose.
"Kyler Murray is the starter, but was there any chance of the opposite happening?
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsAug 12, 2026, 8:37 PMHow real was the Vikings' quarterback competition?
From the moment quarterback Kyler Murray joined the Vikings, it seemed as if the starting job was his to lose.
- Yahoo SportsAug 12, 2026, 12:21 AMWas There Really A Quarterback Competition For The Minnesota Vikings?
Kyler Murray is the starter, but was there any chance of the opposite happening?
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