NFL insider refutes takes about Vikings' alleged Kyler Murray, J.J. McCarthy plans

A recent report suggested that Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell views recently signed quarterback Kyler Murray as someone who could replace 2024 first-round draft pick J.J. McCarthy atop the depth chart for longer than just one season. 

During Tuesday's edition of ESPN's "Get Up" program, NFL insider Dan Graziano offered an interesting response to such takes. 

Both Kyler Murray and J.J. McCarthy have "warts"

"I would just point out," Graziano explained, "Kyler's coming in there on a one-year contract off a season in which he only played five games. And there's a team out there that's paying him almost $37M this year to play for someone else. So it's not as if this is somebody that comes in with no warts. He has to earn his way there as well." 

The Vikings were able to sign Murray to a one-year contract worth $1.3M because the Arizona Cardinals owed him $38M in fully guaranteed money for next season. Murray made just five starts during the 2025 campaign before he was shut down due to a foot issue. Additionally, concerns about his work ethic and leadership abilities have hovered over him throughout his professional career. 

Did Vikings sign Kyler Murray to not simply replace J.J. McCarthy?  

Last week, Graziano insisted that the Vikings "are not ready to give up on" McCarthy. Some may have assumed that Graziano wasn't referencing the opening week of the 2026 season when he offered that comment, but it seems that O'Connell is serious about holding a legitimate competition for the starting job later this summer. 

"I do think there's some part of the Vikings that hopes bringing in Kyler Murray...does light a fire under J.J. McCarthy," Graziano added during Tuesday's show segment. 

Such a fire may not help McCarthy fully understand O'Connell's playbook or make the 23-year-old a more polished passer. That said, it sounds like those wondering if the Vikings could trade McCarthy can put such speculation to bed unless he makes it known he wants a fresh start elsewhere.