Why Vikings named Kyler Murray starter before first preseason game and what decision means for J.J. McCarthy
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Why Vikings named Kyler Murray starter before first preseason game and what decision means for J.J. McCarthy originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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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.
MORE:Projecting the NFL's next 10 Hall of Fame QBs
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.
J.J. McCarthy, Kyler Murray stat comparison
Here's a look at how Murray and McCarthy stack up statistically since McCarthy was drafted:
Kyler Murray (2024-2025)StatJ.J. McCarthy (2024-25)22Starts1010-12Record6-468.7%Comp. rate57.6%4,813Pass yards1,63227TD1114INT1292.4Passer rating72.6745Rush yards1816Rush TD4Murray 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.