EAGAN, MN — The Minnesota Vikings have named Kyler Murray their Week 1 starting quarterback. The team's quarterback competition lasted just two weeks before Minnesota made the decision.
The Vikings signed Murray to a one-year contract in March after he was released by the Arizona Cardinals. He competed with 2024 first-round draft pick J. J. McCarthy throughout the offseason and the first two weeks of training camp.
Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell had maintained that the team was conducting an open competition between Murray and McCarthy. Both quarterbacks received first-team repetitions during camp, although Murray handled the majority of the work, including full-team drills.
The decision comes before Minnesota's preseason opener against the New York Giants and will allow Murray to take all first-team snaps leading into the game and next week's joint practices with the Baltimore Ravens.
Murray, 29, spent seven seasons with Arizona after being selected first overall in the 2019 NFL Draft. During his tenure with the Cardinals, he earned two Pro Bowl selections, surpassed 3,700 passing yards in four seasons and rushed for more than 500 yards three times.
Minnesota hopes Murray's dual-threat ability will add another dimension to O'Connell's offense, although questions remain about his transition into the Vikings' system and his durability after playing a full regular season only once over the past five years.
A Texas native, was one of the most successful quarterbacks in Texas high school football history, finishing his high school career with a perfect 42-0 record and winning three consecutive state championships for Allen High School. Murray went on to play his college football at Oklahoma, where he won the Heisman Trophy in 2018.
McCarthy, the No. 10 overall pick in the 2024 draft, struggled during his rookie season and has dealt with injuries during his first two years in the NFL. With Murray securing the starting role, McCarthy's position on the depth chart remains uncertain as he competes with veteran quarterback Carson Wentz for the backup role.
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