Kyler Murray's Future With Vikings Eyed by NFL Insiders if J.J. McCarthy Wins Vikings QB Battle

Opposing NFL teams might be keeping their eyes on the Minnesota Vikings' QB1 battle in case it results in the organization cutting ties with Kyler Murray.

ESPN's Dan Graziano reported Wednesday he feels the Vikings' quarterback competition "could go either way" between Murray and incumbent starter J.J. McCarthy.

"It does feel as if McCarthy is starting from behind and would really have to be lights out to win the job," Graziano reported. "If McCarthy does win it, people around the league would be interested to see whether the Vikings even keep Murray."

The Vikings signed Murray to a one-year league-minimum deal following his release by the Arizona Cardinals earlier this offseason.

The team is now heading into training camp with Murray and McCarthy competing for the top spot on a depth chart also staffed by Carson Wentz and Max Brosmer.

Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell said Tuesday both Murray and McCarthy will take reps with the first-team offense in training camp.

"We want an elevator at the quarterback position," O'Connell said. "In many ways, doing that in this system is a do-you-job mentality, which is running the show, throwing completions and just showing the ability to execute our offense with comfort."

Murray, who put together an Offensive Rookie of the Year campaign and two Pro Bowl seasons before injuries and inconsistency derailed his last three seasons, is hoping a change of scenery can revitalize his NFL career.

McCarthy has a shorter resume after struggling in his 2025 debut season, but he's signed through at least 2027 on his rookie deal and the Vikings would benefit from having him develop into a franchise quarterback.

Should McCarthy prove he has the offensive command O'Connell is looking for by Week 1, the Vikings could either slot in Murray as a backup or turn back to Wentz as QB2.

O'Connell confirmed Tuesday the Vikings have a date in mind as to when to decide on a starting quarterback, although he did not confirm when that date might be. The Vikings are set to open the preseason Aug. 15 against the New York Giants before starting out the regular season Sept. 13 versus the Green Bay Packers.