Nov 3, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) looks on from the field before the game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Arizona Cardinals at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Who did JJ McCarthy harm? Did he magically offend the Minnesota Vikings owner? There has to be some reason why, after being drafted in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft, McCarthy is relegated to backup duty to begin the 2026 football season. However, we also shouldn’t be surprised that Kyler Murray will be the starting quarterback for the Vikings in Week 1 of the 2026 season.
I mean, we can go with the obvious, and that’s simply that McCarthy isn’t very good. But is that a fair statement to make? And have we seen enough of the now third-year quarterback to accurately make that judgment?
To be fair, just because Murray is starting under center in Week 1, it doesn’t mean we won’t see McCarthy at multiple points in the season. In fact, it wouldn’t surprise me to see McCarthy close the season as Minnesota’s starting quarterback. At the least, he’s going to start at least one game this season, and likely more than that.
After not playing at all in his rookie season due to knee surgery, McCarthy started 10 games last year. Despite having some top-tier offensive weapons, McCarthy played to mixed results. The Vikings were 6-4 in his starts, but he only threw for 1,632 yards and 11 touchdowns while also throwing 12 interceptions.
Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy
Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy throws a pass against the Green Bay Packers during the first quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
Yes, developing a young quarterback takes time, but the Vikings are also serious about competing for a playoff berth, and they don’t want to waste the talents of Justin Jefferson in the prime of his career. So, with that being said, they signed Kyler Murray this off-season to a one-year contract.
It was essentially a “prove it” deal for Murray after his time in Arizona didn’t go exactly as planned. Regardless of what was and is being said, Murray was signed to be the starting quarterback for Minnesota. Well, at least initially.
MORE:Chris Berman’s ‘Strange’ walk at the Pro Football Hall of Fame ceremony is drawing a lot of attention
Given Murray’s veteran status and the contract he was signed to, there shouldn’t have been any doubt that he would be the starting quarterback. If it works, and he stays healthy, then it’s a win for the Vikings. And if not, they don’t have anything invested in Murray after this season, so it would be a clean break to McCarthy.
McCarthy isn’t going anywhere, but it makes the most sense to begin with the veteran. Considering the decision was made before a preseason game, it’s clear what the decision was going to be. In reality, the decision was made as soon as Minnesota committed $17 million to Murray for the 2026 season. Also, from Murray’s perspective, why would you sign with Minnesota if you weren’t going to be the starter?
—Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories with The Big Lead Newsletter—