NFL writer praises Vikings' low-cost addition of Kyler Murray amid J.J. McCarthy competition

The moment the Minnesota Vikings signed quarterback Kyler Murray in the NFL offseason, it became obvious that there was going to be a real battle for QB1 between Murray and J.J. McCarthy.

Tensions are high, and both of these players want that starting quarterback role. Both players have also been asked about how they're getting along, and while Murray gave a friendly response, McCarthy spelled out a tense situation.

"It's just like two guys in a classroom," McCarthy said, according to Alec Lewis of The Athletic. "He sits on one side, and I sit on the other side. It’s the coaches' responsibility to teach us and coach us."

Now, McCarthy has gotten some bad news in the quarterback competition in the form of an writer pointing out what a great move it was for the Vikings to snag Murray.

Kyler Murray gets praise from NFL writer

Mike Sando of The Athletic loves the Murray addition so much that he names it his favorite move for the team during the offseason. That can't bode well for McCarthy.

He notes in a feature about each NFL team that adding Murray for $1.3 million per year without financial guarantees after the 2026 season is a "cheaper-than-cheap quarterback contract for a player who struggled to win in Arizona largely because the Cardinals defense was so bad."

He also notes that "Murray is one of 29 quarterbacks with at least 30 starts over the past three regular seasons," meaning he has experience. While in the long-term, he notes that the team still hasn't "solved their QB situation," snagging Murray is a step in the right direction.

Talking heads will have their opinions about this deal, but when The Athletic talks, people listen. It's just more chatter not going McCarthy's way, but his performance on the field is what will really matter in this quarterback battle.