J.J. McCarthy Addresses Kyler Murray Joining Vikings to Create QB1 Battle amid NFL Trade Rumors

J.J. McCarthy says he was told the quarterback battle between himself and Kyler Murray will be a "true competition" this offseason, per Fox 9's Ahmad Hicks.

"The organization made a decision that they feel like is going to improve the depth and the quality of the room... but all I'm thinking about is continuing the upward trajectory I set for myself last season," McCarthy told reporters during Wednesday's OTAs.

McCarthy compared his current relationship with Murray to "two guys in a classroom," per ESPN's Kevin Seifert.

"He sits on one side, and I sit on the other side, and it's the coaches' responsibility to teach us and coach us," McCarthy said, per Seifert.

When asked if the situation was awkward, McCarthy answered, per Seifert: "Awkwardness? It's just like the same feeling when you're in high school, and there's another person on the other side of the room. That's just kind of how it is. I wouldn't say there's any awkwardness."

Murray said Wednesday his relationship with McCarthy has "been great" so far this offseason.

"Obviously, he's a younger guy, so any way I can help him, I feel like I played seven years going on eight," Murray said, per The Athletic's Alec Lewis. "I'm considered a veteran even though I don't see myself as that. Giving him any knowledge he needs."

McCarthy has been the subject of trade rumors since the Vikings signed Murray to a one-year deal in March following his release by the Arizona Cardinals.

The pair opened their quarterback competition Tuesday with the start of OTAs this week.

The Vikings were able to sign Murray for just $1.3 million this spring because the Cardinals are paying out the rest of his $36.8 million salary for next season.

ESPN's Dan Graziano reported earlier this month that "people I've talked to who are close to this situation insist that the Vikings haven't given up on McCarthy" despite signing Murray.

"Part of their hope is bringing in Murray sends some sort of shock to McCarthy's system and gets him refocused on whatever they think he got away from last year," Graziano reported.

Should Murray win the starting job, it could impact both whether the Vikings pick up McCarthy's 2028 club option by next spring's deadline.

If the Vikings ultimately decline McCarthy's fifth-year option, he would remain a trade candidate as he heads into the 2027 season on an expiring contract.

Both Murray, who played just five games for the Arizona Cardinals before he was sidelined by a foot injury, and McCarthy, who threw more interceptions (12) than touchdown passes (11) in his first season as starter, struggled in 2025.

Which quarterback demonstrates more readiness to bounce back this offseason could determine both who starts Week 1 and what McCarthy's future looks like with the team that drafted him.