DULUTH, Minn. (Northern News Now) - The Minnesota Vikings have named Kyler Murray their starting quarterback for the 2026 season, according to an announcement posted Tuesday on the team’s official website.
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kyler Murray stands on the field during the NFL football team's training camp Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026, in Eagan, Minn. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)(Abbie Parr | AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
Head coach Kevin O’Connell made the decision after Murray and J.J. McCarthy competed for the job throughout the spring and training camp.
Murray, 29, signed a one-year contract with Minnesota in March after spending seven seasons with the Arizona Cardinals. The former No. 1 overall pick was named The Associated Press NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2019 and earned Pro Bowl selections in each of the following two seasons.
During his NFL career, Murray has thrown for 20,460 yards and 121 touchdowns while adding 3,193 rushing yards and 32 rushing touchdowns.
McCarthy, the 10th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, spent the offseason competing with Murray for the starting job after injuries limited his development during his first two seasons with the Vikings.
Minnesota opens the regular season Sept. 13 against the Green Bay Packers.
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