Vikings quarterback battle meets expected end as Kyler Murray beats out JJ McCarthy for starting job

Colin Cowherd discusses the Minnesota Vikings naming Kyler Murray the starting QB over J.J. McCarthy.

If two quarterbacks who have been inconsistent in their careers and inconsistent in practice despite moments of clarity need to settle the battle for the starting job, what does an NFL franchise do in picking one? The Minnesota Vikings answered that on Tuesday by picking Kyler Murray.

Minnesota coach Kevin O'Connell has named Kyler Murray his starting quarterback, the club announced.

A Vikings source told Fox News Digital/OutKick that picking Murray over third-year veteran J.J. McCarthy was the expectation even before Tuesday's decision.

Kyler Murray and J.J. McCarthy of the Minnesota Vikings look on during an OTA workout at Twin Cities Orthopedics Performance Center in Eagan, Minn., on May 27, 2026. (David Berding/Getty Images)

Yes, this was predictable.

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The sources pointed to Murray's greater experience in his eighth NFL season as a major factor in separating him from the younger McCarthy.

This is not good news for McCarthy. The No. 10 pick of the 2024 draft, he is now sidelined at a time in his career when most first-rounders are expected to blossom as veterans.

McCarthy, who missed his rookie year with a knee injury, has only 10 NFL starts and that inability to hold the starting job and beat out Murray raises questions about his future.

Kyler Murray of the Minnesota Vikings participates in a drill during an OTA workout at Twin Cities Orthopedics Performance Center in Eagan, Minn., on May 27, 2026. (David Berding/Getty Images)

The Vikings may decide McCarthy is a valuable trade commodity because they also have Carson Wentz and Max Brosmer on the roster.

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