New NFL Rumors on J.J. McCarthy's Future if Vikings Sign Kyler Murray amid Justin Jefferson Buzz

Even if the Minnesota Vikings are able to sign Kyler Murray in free agency, J.J. McCarthy could still be a big factor in their quarterback plans for 2026 and beyond.

Appearing on Thursday's episode of Get Up, ESPN's Dan Graziano said the Vikings "are not ready to give up" on McCarthy two years after he was selected with the No. 10 pick in the 2024 NFL draft:

"My understanding is that the Vikings are not ready to give up on J.J. McCarthy, but they also are not going to just install him as this year's starter because obviously a lot needs to change off of last year. So, the theory and the hope is you get one of these veterans, like Kyler Murray is probably going to sign a minimum salary deal because of all the money Arizona's already paying him. You get one of these veterans on a low-cost, short-term commitment; he comes in and can play. Like, you know, Justin Jefferson needs somebody that can get him the ball. Like, you're going to lose him if you don't get more competent quarterback play this year. Also, ideally, the presence of such a veteran like turns a light on for J.J. McCarthy, and then a year from now you still have him as an option."

Murray, who was officially released by the Arizona Cardinals on Wednesday, is set to visit with Vikings coaches and officials on Thursday.

Per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero, Minnesota is seen as the favorite to sign Murray.

Murray is getting $36.8 million from the Cardinals even though he's not on their roster, so Pelissero noted the expectation is he will sign a minimum deal that allows more suitors to pursue him.

The Vikings have long been rumored as Murray's primary destination. He would get to rebuild his value in a quarterback-friendly situation with head coach Kevin O'Connell, along with a strong group of skill-position talent that includes Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison and T.J. Hockenson.

It's not a guarantee that Murray would step in as the starter if he does sign with Minnesota, but his presence would at least give the club options in a potential quarterback battle with McCarthy.

There's no reason for the Vikings to completely give up on McCarthy at this point. He is only 23 with one year of starting experience. The 2025 season was often ugly for him and the passing game.

The Vikings' 166.7 passing yards per game last season ranked 29th in the NFL. The only teams behind them were the Tennessee Titans, Cleveland Browns and New York Jets.

McCarthy finished 31st in QBR out of 33 quarterbacks with at least 200 pass attempts in 2025.

Despite their struggles at the quarterback position, the Vikings still finished with a winning record last season (9-8). They had the seventh-best defense by points allowed.

This is a great situation for a quarterback to thrive in. McCarthy struggled in his first exposure in the NFL, but he is still young enough to believe there's more upside in his game.

The potential addition of a quality starter like Murray would allow the Vikings some comfort going into 2026 if they want to see how McCarthy responds with an offseason to prepare and can win the job out of training camp.