Kyler Murray has won the Minnesota Vikings’ quarterback battle.
ESPN sources report the 2018 Heisman Trophy winner has been named Kevin O’Connell’s starter ahead of incumbent J.J. McCarthy.
Murray, 29, signed a one-year deal with the Vikings in the spring following his release from the Arizona Cardinals with whom he had spent the entirety of his seven-year career.
A native of Bedford, TX, Murray appeared in 87 games with the Cards, throwing for 20,460 yards on 1,974-for-2,941 passing with 121 touchdowns to 60 picks. He added another 3,193 yards on the ground with 32 TDs. He was named Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2019 and was named to two Pro Bowls in his time in Arizona.
McCarthy, 23, was taken with the 10th overall pick of the 2024 NFL Draft coming off of leading Michigan to a National Championship. He missed the entirety of his rookie season, tearing the meniscus in his knee during a preseason game against the Las Vegas Raiders. Sam Darnold starred in his stead, leading the Vikings to a 14-win season.
The Evanston, IL native struggled with injury in 2025, appearing in only 10 games. He threw for 1,632 yards on 140-for-243 passing with 11 TDs to 12 interceptions. McCarthy was sacked 27 times. He missed time due to a high-ankle sprain, concussion symptoms and a hand injury.
The Vikings open up their preseason campaign on Saturday with a visit to the New York Giants. Their regular season gets underway on Sept. 13 with a visit from the Green Bay Packers.
