Two years after Minnesota drafted him 10th overall, McCarthy is Kyler Murray’s backup. He still believes he’s an NFL starter — and says Minnesota remains “the place I want to be.”
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Now that he’s getting more first-team reps, Murray can start settling into coach Kevin O’Connell’s offense. Follow live updates from training camp today.
The eighth-year NFL veteran quickly grasped Kevin O’Connell’s offense, showing the accuracy, poise and presence that separated him from J.J. McCarthy.
The Vikings revived Sam Darnold’s career two years ago. O’Connell’s latest reclamation project comes with higher stakes — and leaves J.J. McCarthy’s future uncertain.
The Vikings, days away from their preseason opener against the Giants, are rolling with Murray over J.J. McCarthy at quarterback. Follow for reaction and analysis of the decision.
Kevin O’Connell’s decision gives the former No. 1 overall pick a chance to revive his career in Minnesota while raising new questions about the future of the franchise’s 2024 first-round investment.
The Vikings will play 13 of 17 games on artificial turf this season, including three at stadiums that installed grass for the World Cup before switching back.