Report reveals why Vikings haven't yet made expected Kyler Murray, J.J. McCarthy decision

Numerous reports released throughout the spring and summer months have suggested that it is a matter of when and not if the Minnesota Vikings will name free-agency signing Kyler Murray their starting quarterback over 2024 first-round draft pick J.J. McCarthy.

However, Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell has not yet confirmed that Murray will start Minnesota's preseason opener at the New York Giants on Aug. 15. For a piece published on Monday, Vikings reporter Alec Lewis of The Athletic shared information about the team's quarterback competition that may concern Minnesota fans.

Kyler Murray has "not been perfect by any stretch" amid competition vs. J.J. McCarthy

"The Vikings have given Murray the majority of the first-team reps in training camp," Lewis wrote. "They believed this approach would build chemistry and help them evaluate his progress within the system. Murray’s performance has not been perfect by any stretch. On Sunday night, for example, he threw two interceptions in an 11-on-11 period and perhaps should’ve thrown another on a seven-on-seven rep."

Vikings insider Kevin Seifert of ESPN is among those who have repeatedly insisted that Murray is the favorite to win the starting job. That said, the Arizona Cardinals were seemingly quite happy to part ways with Murray earlier this year after he made just five starts last season and notched zero playoff wins while with the club from the opening night of the 2019 NFL Draft through the 2025 campaign. 

The Vikings were able to sign Murray to a team-friendly one-year contract, so they have no financial reason to play him ahead of McCarthy if McCarthy looks like the better quarterback during preseason games. Minnesota will host the Baltimore Ravens on Aug. 22, and the Vikings will then finish their preseason with a matchup at the Denver Broncos on Aug. 28. 

J.J. McCarthy has "outperformed" Kyler Murray during practices

"McCarthy outperformed Murray on Sunday and on other days," Lewis continued. "But his consistency — and the efficiency of the offense — still appear to be a work in progress. Head coach Kevin O’Connell has not yet declared whether Murray or McCarthy will play in the preseason. The current challenge will be deciding on a starter in time for the first-team offense to get more reps and develop a rhythm, even though objective observers could be split on which quarterback has looked better."

Lewis' last line indicates that this battle could run through at least the Vikings-Ravens game.