Vikings’ Latest J.J. McCarthy Update Raises Eyebrows

The Minnesota Vikings are heading into the 2026 season with one of the more intriguing quarterback situations in the NFL. They’ve set up an open competition between second-year passer J.J. McCarthy and veteran Kyler Murray to decide who will start under center.

While the betting public and many observers seem to think Murray has the inside track, ESPN’s Adam Schefter is pushing back against the idea that McCarthy is already fading into the background.

Murray arrived in Minnesota after the Arizona Cardinals moved on from him this offseason. As a former top overall pick, he’s eager to prove he can still be a reliable starter when given the right opportunity. His track record shows flashes of high-level play when healthy, and pairing him with a strong supporting cast could spark a solid resurgence. Head coach Kevin O’Connell has publicly downplayed any real “competition,” and the consensus around the league leans heavily toward Murray winning the job outright.

Yet Schefter, speaking on a recent episode of ESPN’s Get Up, made it clear he’s not writing off the young quarterback just yet. “I’m not ready to give up on J.J. McCarthy,” Schefter said. “We’ll see. Kevin O’Connell has said there’s no competition. Everybody expects Kyler to win that job. He probably will. But at some point … I think we’re going to hear something from J.J. McCarthy again. That’s just me.”

It’s easy to understand the skepticism around McCarthy. His first two seasons have been disrupted by injuries, limiting him to just 310 pass snaps last year. He finished with a 61.8 overall grade from Pro Football Focus, along with 1,632 passing yards, 11 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions.

There were moments of promise—19 big-time throws—but also plenty of mistakes, including 15 turnover-worthy plays. For a high draft pick, those numbers don’t exactly scream “franchise quarterback” right now.

Schefter, however, sees the bigger picture. He pointed out how several quarterbacks in recent years have bounced back after rough patches or injuries—think Daniel Jones, Baker Mayfield, and Sam Darnold. Given that track record and the relatively small sample size with McCarthy, it feels premature for the Vikings to shut the door on him so quickly, especially with O’Connell’s offensive expertise.

On the other side of the debate, former Vikings wide receiver Cris Carter has been vocal about favoring Murray. In a recent NFL Network appearance, Carter highlighted how Murray could flourish in this new environment, surrounded by a talented offensive line, a solid running game, an elite receiving corps, and a coach who knows how to maximize his strengths.

“The magic happens when you put those horns on and that purple helmet,” Carter said, suggesting the change of scenery might be exactly what Murray needs to rediscover his best form.

During his time in Arizona, Murray threw for over 20,000 yards with a solid touchdown-to-interception ratio, proving he has the tools when everything clicks. Now it’s up to O’Connell to unlock that version consistently in Minnesota.

Training camp will be fascinating to watch as these two battle it out. Murray brings proven experience and mobility, while McCarthy represents untapped potential and the team’s long-term investment.

Schefter’s take serves as a reminder that in the quarterback carousel of the NFL, it’s often too early to close the book on a young player—especially one who hasn’t had a full, healthy shot yet.

Whether McCarthy forces his way back into the conversation remains to be seen, but don’t be surprised if his name surfaces again before the season settles in.