Why Vikings named Kyler Murray starter before first preseason game and what decision means for J.J. McCarthy

Any idea that the Vikings' quarterback battle would be one of the biggest storylines of the preseason was quashed on Tuesday, with Minnesota reportedly naming Kyler Murray its starting quarterback over J.J. McCarthy.

Murray, signed in March after being released by the Cardinals, earned the job before the Vikings' first preseason game, a sign that Kevin O'Connell and Minnesota's staff have real confidence in his ability to be an upgrade at the position.

Murray will be the Vikings' fourth Week 1 quarterback in four years, joining Kirk Cousins (2023), Sam Darnold (2024) and McCarthy (2025).

Here's what you need to know about the Vikings' decision to name Murray their starter.

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Why Vikings named Kyler Murray starting QB before first preseason game

The Vikings were reportedly intent on signing a quarterback to compete with McCarthy in free agency before they landed Murray. Given Murray's track record and McCarthy not showing many signs of promise during his time as a starter in 2025, conventional wisdom suggested Murray entered training camp as the favorite to be Minnesota's starter.

McCarthy blowing Vikings coaches away could have changed that, but that isn't what happened.

"Neither Murray nor J.J. McCarthy has performed at a clip that makes the impending decision clear to any objective observer," The Athletic reported Tuesday before the decision was made, adding that McCarthy has made some impressive throws but had trouble "holding the ball and fidgeting in the pocket under duress" in practice.

While Murray failed to fully separate himself, the pressure appeared to be on McCarthy to stand out if he wanted to win the job. With that not happening to this point, Murray now has full control of the offense more than a month before the Vikings' season opener.

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J.J. McCarthy, Kyler Murray stat comparison

Here's a look at how Murray and McCarthy stack up statistically since McCarthy was drafted:

Murray only threw two more interceptions than McCarthy in 12 more starts over the last two seasons, with a passer rating nearly 20 points higher than his now-teammate.

While Murray missed most of 2025, his track record is that of a quality starter. McCarthy, on the other hand, hasn't proven he can be one yet, despite a 6-4 record in 2025.

JJ McCarthy reaction

In McCarthy's first comments since the decision, the third-year quarterback expressed his disappointment but mentioned he just wanted to continue getting better.

"Obviously every competitor wants to play," he said, via ESPN. "But moving forward, it's just about continuing to work hard and just staying ready for when my number's called."

McCarthy added that despite trade speculation, he still wants to remain with Vikings moving forward.

"This is the place I want to be," McCarthy said. "And I love every single person in this building. I love the state. I love the fan base and I'm going to continue to just do whatever I can for this team and this organization."

Could Vikings trade JJ McCarthy?

This might not be the ideal time to trade McCarthy, given how low his value is at the moment, but it's something the Vikings have the flexibility to explore if they are convinced he isn't going to be their long-term starter.

Minnesota has a capable backup on the roster already in veteran Carson Wentz. Max Brosmer is also on the roster, though he looked less than capable in his brief time on the field last season.

If the Vikings are sure McCarthy isn't the answer, it could benefit them to trade him while there is still some upside surrounding him. Unless reports say otherwise, though, Minnesota appears to be still be holding out hope that the former first-round pick can turn into a starter at the position. 

Vikings QB depth chart

Murray is now the Vikings' No. 1 quarterback, with McCarthy in the backup slot for now and Wentz available as an emergency No. 3 quarterback.

If the Vikings keep only three quarterbacks, Brosmer could be on the chopping block. The former University of Minnesota starter was a nice story in 2025 and even won one of his two starts, but he didn't look the part as a starter and likely can't give the Vikings what Wentz could in the emergency role.

The wild-card would be a McCarthy trade or an outright Wentz release to save money. The Vikings have until Aug. 30 to make their final roster decision.