By Daily Mail (U.S.) | Created at 2026-08-11 22:50:04 | Updated at 2026-08-11 23:04:48
28 minutes ago
With the Minnesota Vikings finally making a decision over their contentious quarterback battle, head coach Kevin O'Connell shared his thoughts on the future of the man who lost.
The Vikings officially named Kyler Murray the Week 1 starter for the 2026 season after training camp on Tuesday, relegating last year's starter JJ McCarthy to the bench.
Reports initially made by ESPN's Adam Schefter were confirmed by O'Connell after practice.
'We did name Kyler Murray our starting quarterback. From the outset of the offseason we've been intentional, open about the goal of creating a competitive environment filled with wildly capable players that could then elevate our quarterback room,' O'Connell confirmed to reporters.
But with Murray - who signed from the Arizona Cardinals last year - set to lead the team into the season, there's now speculation over the future of McCarthy.
O'Connell assured Vikings fans that the third-year quarterback will still be a part of the system.
Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell says there's still a spot for QB2 JJ McCarthy
McCarthy (L) lost out on the starting job to offseason arrival Kyler Murray (R)
McCarthy had a lackluster first season under center, throwing more picks than touchdowns
'Nothing changes as far as J.J. being an incredibly important member of our quarterback room and our team,' said O'Connell.
When specifically asked if McCarthy is the team's backup, O'Connell replied, 'Yes, you'll see him still take a ton of reps today.'
McCarthy was drafted by the Vikings in 2024 with the tenth overall pick in that year's draft.
He arrived in Minnesota after winning a national championship with Michigan, albeit in a year where he never truly put up the numbers to justify such a high draft spot. But NFL scouts were sold on his potential and the Vikings traded up to take him.
However, he missed his entire rookie season due to an injury. In his first season of playing (his second season in the league), McCarthy started just ten games and threw more interceptions (12) than touchdowns (11).
But O'Connell isn't ready to completely call the McCarthy Experiment a failure: 'He's a young player with a bunch of outstanding things in his future,' the coach said. 'The immediate result wasn't what he wanted, but he's going to be ready to go and improve.'
It's possible that the Vikings have plans for McCarthy to continue growing while on the bench.
Murray only signed a one-year, $13million with the Vikings - which gives him the ability to leave in free agency this offseason if he so chooses, making McCarthy's development this season all the more important.
