The NFL released its schedule, and teams have already begun their 2026 offseason workouts. Minicamps and training camps will soon follow as franchises prepare for the regular season.
The Minnesota Vikings stayed busy during free agency and the NFL Draft, but one of the biggest questions surrounding the team remains at quarterback.
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Can J.J. McCarthy beat out newly signed Kyler Murray for the starting job? Early reports suggest Murray holds the advantage. ESPN’s Adam Schefter indicated that Murray is the clear frontrunner in the competition.
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That development makes sense considering the Vikings pursued outside competition after McCarthy’s underwhelming start. Some speculation has even suggested McCarthy could become a trade candidate this offseason.
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2. Kyler Murray
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray warming up before their game against the Tennessee Titans at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
For now, however, a trade does not appear likely. Murray may currently lead the competition, but plenty can change between now and the end of the season.
Coming out of Michigan, McCarthy built his reputation on football IQ, leadership, and a relentless competitive drive. He would not be the first first-round quarterback — nor the last — to face adversity early in his career and compete against a veteran challenger.
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McCarthy would be wise to continue handling the situation the way he has so far. He can also look to former Pittsburgh Steelers first-round pick Kenny Pickett as an example.
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When the Steelers signed Russell Wilson in 2024, Pickett reportedly became frustrated and requested a trade. Had he remained in Pittsburgh, he could have received the same opportunity Justin Fields eventually did.
Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy
Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy warms up prior to the game against the Green Bay Packers at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
During the 2024 offseason, Wilson suffered a calf injury that caused him to miss much of training camp, the preseason, and part of the regular season. Fields stepped in, performed well, and capitalized on the opportunity.
That performance helped Fields secure a major contract in 2025 free agency.
Meanwhile, Pickett has settled into a backup role and may never receive the opportunities Fields earned — or the one McCarthy currently has in front of him.
So far, McCarthy appears to have handled the situation well. If he continues to compete and develops throughout training camp, he could still position himself to seize the next opportunity he gets.