The honeymoon phase for J.J. McCarthy in Minnesota came to an abrupt end last year, the former Michigan quarterback’s second in the NFL but first playing in regular-season games. A torn right meniscus uprooted his rookie season before it really began. Last time around, the 2024 No. 10 overall pick was in and out of the lineup, missing a total of seven games: five with a high right ankle sprain, one with a concussion and one with his hand injury that he tried to play through down the stretch.
After Vikings brass and fans watched Sam Darnold, the quarterback Minnesota let walk in free agency following the 14-victory campaign he authored as McCarthy’s replacement, win the Super Bowl as the Seattle Seahawks’ QB1, pressure escalated. This offseason, it became clear: McCarthy has to make a third-year leap, or Minnesota needs to have a contingency plan that can return the franchise to championship contention.
Enter, Kyler Murray.
The Vikings inked the former Arizona Cardinals signal-caller to a one-year deal, reportedly on the veteran minimum. The Cardinals are on the hook for most of Murray’s guaranteed salary this season. Meanwhile, the Vikings have a two-time Pro Bowler and former No. 1 overall pick in the fold.
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For Murray, coming to Minnesota meant a fresh start, one that allowed him to play for the team the Allen, Texas, native grew up rooting for. On the other hand, for McCarthy, Murray’s arrival signaled the birth of a fierce competition.
“Look, the organization made a decision that they feel like is going to improve the depth and the quality of the room,” McCarthy said Wednesday at Vikings OTAs. “They feel like they made that decision.
“But all I’m thinking about is continuing the upward trajectory that I set for myself last season, that last quarter of the season, and continue to be the best version of me every single day.”
McCarthy went 6-4 as the Vikings’ starter last season, which Minnesota finished with a 9-8 record and on the outside looking in of the NFC playoff picture. He threw 11 touchdowns against 12 picks and completed a mere 57.6% of his passes. At times, he showcased the arm talent that made him a difference-maker at Michigan, where he won a national championship in 2023, but far too often McCarthy was erratic with the football and his decision-making in general.
This offseason, McCarthy’s been focusing on processing, ball placement and controlling what he can control. He said he was told it’ll be a “true competition” between him and Murray for the top spot on the depth chart.
When asked about his relationship with Murray, McCarthy used a head-turning classroom analogy.
“It’s just like two guys in a classroom,” McCarthy said on Wednesday. “He sits on one side, I sit on the other side, and it’s the coaches responsibility to teach us and coach us.”
McCarthy was then asked if there’s any awkwardness.
“Awkwardness?” he said. “It’s just like the same feeling when you’re in high school, and there’s another person on the other side of the room, that’s just kind of how it is. So I wouldn’t say there’s any awkwardness.”
Later, a reporter inquired if McCarthy was disappointed that the Vikings brought aboard Murray.
“Then I would be disappointed if the rain fell,” McCarthy said in response. “That’s out of my control, and, at the end of the day, I just got to focus on what I can do to be the best quarterback for this football team.”
Whereas McCarthy fielded questions with an edge that indicated the size of the chip on his shoulder, Murray took a more laid-back approach to addressing the media on Wednesday.
Murray described a warmer dynamic with McCarthy, who Murray said has been receptive to pointers, communicative and inquisitive.
“It’s been great,” Murray, 28, said of his McCarthy, 23.
“Obviously, I know he’s a younger guy, so any way I can help him … I’ve played seven years now going on eight. So I’m considered a veteran, even though I don’t see myself as that. Give him any knowledge that he needs. Again, we’re both competitors, and I know we both want what’s best for the team.”
Murray is ecstatic about the potential of the offense he’s now working with. He effused about the playmakers that surround him, namely wide receivers Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison.
“I mean, I don’t know how you can’t love that room,” Murray told reporters, when asked about the Vikings’ receiver room. “Obviously, you’ve got the best receiver in the league and then JA and the guys, and you add Jauan [Jennings], all the young guys that have the talent and ability that are hungry to go prove it and then the tight end — you look at the skill position in general; I know it’s widely regarded as one of the most QB-friendly offenses around the league. So I’m happy to be here.”
Murray added: “It’s kind of an embarrassment of riches around here.”
Known for his escapability and rushing threat, Murray didn’t hint at how his X-factor could be deployed this season in Minnesota. He did, however, discuss the impeccable teaching ability of his new head coach, Kevin O’Connell, the 2024 AP NFL Coach of the Year.
Murray said O’Connell’s offense is “really wordy,” but he’s confident he’ll have it down in due time, thanks to mental reps at home and to and from the facility.
After a seven-year run with the Cardinals, with whom he made the playoffs just once, Murray is clearly motivated to write a new chapter in his new home.
“My confidence is unshakeable,” he said. “That’s how I feel about myself. Regardless of what happens day-to-day, I know the next day I’m coming out here to give my best effort, put my best foot forward and give whatever the team needs. So that’s what you’re getting with me as far as confidence goes. You won’t see me waver.”