Kyler Murray Reportedly Named Vikings QB1 Over J.J. McCarthy for NFL Week 1 vs. Packers

The Minnesota Vikings have reportedly named veteran quarterback Kyler Murray as their starting quarterback over third-year signal-caller J.J. McCarthy, meaning he'll lead the team when it hosts the NFC North rival Green Bay Packers on Sept. 13 to begin the season.

ESPN's Adam Schefter first reported the news.

Murray is entering his eighth NFL season. He played his first seven with the Arizona Cardinals, who selected him with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2019 NFL draft.

He had his moments in Arizona and led the Cardinals to the 2021 NFL playoffs after an 11-win season. Murray also made two Pro Bowls en route to completing 67.1 percent of his passes for 121 touchdowns (60 interceptions) and 20,460 yards (7.0 yards per attempt) in 87 starts. Murray also did work on the ground with 3,193 rushing yards and 32 touchdowns.

Unfortunately, injuries hindered Murray throughout his tenure. He suffered a torn ACL in Dec. 2022 while running against the New England Patriots and missed the rest of that season and nine games in 2023.

Murray then suffered a mid-foot sprain in Week 5 of the 2025 season and sat the final 12 games of the year.

After the season, the Cardinals parted ways with Murray, who very quickly found a new home with the Minnesota Vikings on a one-year deal.

Simply put, the Vikings needed to find a veteran quarterback to steady the ship and strengthen the QB room after they had struggles at the position in 2025. Ian Rapoport of NFL Network gave a hint in December that the Vikings were headed in that direction.

Minnesota went 9-8 in 2025 despite quarterbacks McCarthy (10 starts), Carson Wentz (five) and Max Brosmer (two) combining for just 17 touchdowns and 21 interceptions. They completed 61.5 percent of their passes for 5.9 yards per attempt and also took a great deal of punishment (60 sacks overall).

The Vikings selected McCarthy with the 10th overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft after trading up one spot with the New York Jets. McCarthy had just completed a perfect 15-0 season capped by a national championship for Michigan.

Unfortunately, McCarthy sat all of the 2024 season after suffering a torn meniscus in his first preseason game. He entered 2025 as the QB1 but suffered injuries (a high ankle sprain, a concussion and a small hairline fracture in his hand) and dealt with inconsistency as he acclimated into the league.

For the year, he completed 57.6 percent of his passes for 11 touchdowns (12 picks) and 1,632 yards (6.7 YPA). He also rushed for 181 yards and four scores.

In the week leading up to training camp, head coach Kevin O'Connell said both Murray and McCarthy would take first- and second-team reps. He also explained what the Vikings wanted out of the position.

On Aug. 7, ESPN's Kevin Seifert declared that Murray was the "heavy favorite" to win the job.

In the end, the Vikings are rolling with Murray in hopes of taking advantage of this roster's talent and heading back to the playoffs after just missing them last year.