J.J. McCarthy Uses ‘Classroom’ Analogy to Describe Relationship With Kyler Murray

The combination of skills and experience Kyler Murray carried with him to the Minnesota Vikings has made him their presumptive starting quarterback this upcoming season, even if the coaching staff declared an open competition for the job with J.J. McCarthy.

In his first public comments since Murray was cut by the starting-over Arizona Cardinals and signed with the eager-to-contend Vikings, McCarthy sounded as though he understood the situation but did not necessarily appreciate it.

"Look, the organization made a decision that they feel like is going to improve the depth and the quality of the room," McCarthy said Wednesday after the first offseason practice session the team opened to reporters.

"All I’m thinking about is continuing the upward trajectory that I set for myself last season — that last quarter of the season — and continuing to be the best version of me every single day."

Asked directly if he was disappointed that the Vikings acquired Murray, McCarthy said, "Then I would be disappointed if the rain fell. That’s out of my control. At the end of the day, I’ve just got to focus on what I can do to be the best quarterback for this football team."

As for his nascent relationship with Murray, McCarthy said there's no awkwardness between them but, well, sure didn't sound warm about it in his terse response.

"It’s just like two guys in a classroom. He sits on one side. I sit on the other side. And it’s the coaches responsibility to teach us and coach us," McCarthy said.

Murray, for his part, didn't hesitate to speak highly of the working arrangement, which is undoubtedly easier to do as an eighth-year player in the NFL with multiple standout seasons on his resume. Murray said McCarthy has been "overly" receptive to