Now that the decision has been made, we can argue about everything that occurred. Was it a true competition? Was it even a competition? Was it fair? Are the Vikings giving up on JJ already? Yada, yada, yada.
Don’t really matter. It is as it should be.
Kyler has done well in practices since being named the starter though. That is what you want to see.
During Day 11 of training camp, after being named starting quarterback, Kyler Murray responded with an exceptionally accurate performance. Operating exclusively
with the first-team offense, Murray completed 15 of 16 pass attempts across 7-on-7 and 11-on-11 drills. His single incompletion of the day was a deep pass to Jordan Addison that fell just out of reach. He quickly rebounded, connecting with Addison on back-to-back plays—first on a perfectly timed out route and then on a touch pass to the sideline. Murray highlighted the afternoon by hitting Justin Jefferson
Murray carried that high-efficiency momentum into Day 12, showcasing his ability to extend plays and test the defense deep. He completed 14 of 17 pass attempts, including a highly efficient 9-for-11 mark during 11-on-11 team periods. The practice featured several explosive highlights, including a deep completion downfield to Justin Jefferson and a play where Murray escaped defensive pressure to find tight end T.J. Hockenson along the sideline. He closed out another strong day by ripping a throw to Tai Felton in space and finding Jauan Jennings with a pinpoint pass.
2026 Vikings Training Camp Full Schedule
https://www.vikings.com/schedule/vikings-events/training-camp/schedule
DATE : TIME : PRACTICE
Thursday, Aug. 13 : Noon – 5 p.m. : 2:30 p.m.
Monday, Aug. 17 : Noon – 5 p.m. : 2:30 p.m.
Wednesday, Aug. 19 : Noon – 5 p.m. : 2:30 p.m. : Joint Practice with Baltimore Ravens
Thursday, Aug. 20 : Noon – 5 p.m. : 2:30 p.m. : Joint Practice with Baltimore Ravens
The Minnesota Vikings 2026 preseason schedule features three matchups
Week 1: Saturday, August 15 at New York Giants (1:00 PM ET)
Week 2: Saturday, August 22 vs. Baltimore Ravens (12:00 PM ET)
Week 3: Friday, August 28 at Denver Broncos (Time TBD)
Minnesota Vikings News and Links
Kyler Murray Quickly Off to Great Start as Vikings’ Official Starter
https://www.si.com/nfl/vikings/onsi/kyler-murray-quickly-off-great-start-vikings-official-starter-01kzw818r42g
Murray spoke to the media after practice on Tuesday. His message about becoming the starting quarterback of the Minnesota Vikings couldn’t have been clearer.
“It feels good. Obviously, any competitor, you play this game, you want a chance to lead the guys on Sunday and have an opportunity to go win. And whatever that calls for me to do on Sundays, Mondays, Thursdays — whatever it is, I take this job with great pride. There’s been a lot of great quarterback play here in the past, and I just hope to continue to carry on that tradition.”
Murray said all the right things to the media, but he also did all the right things at practice. His incredibly accurate day throwing the football. He distributed the ball well to the Vikings receivers, including Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, Tai Felton and others.
Kyler Murray Immediately Rewards Vikings for Naming Him Starter
https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/kyler-murray-immediately-rewards-vikings-001327155.html
Then, the team went out for their first practice with the 29-year-old Murray officially crowned as QB1. And according to multiple reports from those who stuck around to watch… Kyler responded with hands down his best practice as a Viking.
Whether psychological effect or coincidence, Kyler Murray just had easily one of his best practices of camp.
Only one ball hit the ground all day. Several chunk gains through the air to Jefferson, Addison, Felton. Looked very comfortable with decision-making.
— Will Ragatz (@WillRagatz) August 11, 2026
Vikings practice just ended. Thought Kyler Murray looked sharp today. Multiple corner routes to the right sideline. Believe Carson Wentz took more reps today than he has all camp, too.
— Alec Lewis (@alec_lewis) August 11, 2026
Training camp recap, Day 12:
https://www.purpleinsider.football/p/training-camp-recap-day-12
Training camp recap, Day 11: Kyler rolls as QB1
https://www.purpleinsider.football/p/training-camp-recap-day-11-kyler
Vikings GM Nolan Teasley Doesn’t Hold Back on Kyler Murray Decision
https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/vikings-gm-nolan-teasley-doesn-225136534.html
With the Vikings now having a new QB1, the team’s general manager, Nolan Teasley, spoke about the reason for the decision.
“Really excited about what Kyler can do in this system with this level of coaching. K.O., Josh McCown, Frank Smith is on staff here, Wes Phillips,” Teasley said in an Aug. 12 video from SiriusXM NFL Radio.
“So right then and there, you’re really excited about the direction that he can go and the intricacies of the system, being a wide-zone scheme that is going to implement some keepers and use his athleticism, get him outside of the pocket.
“That puts the defense in conflict. So yeah, I’m just really excited about the direction that we’re headed… Learning Kyler as the starter, what he does well, what he’s comfortable with and being able to focus in that regard, then allow that timing element with whether it’s [Justin Jefferson] or T.J. Hockenson and Jordan Addison and all the skill players that he’ll be surrounded with.”
Moreover, Teasley didn’t forget to mention McCarthy and the effort he saw from the third-year player in his attempt to win the starting job.
“Really appreciative of the way that J.J. McCarthy handled the news this morning,” Teasley added. “He’s a professional. Really, really excited about his trajectory in the system as well. It’s a competitive room. That was the goal from the outset, and so we’re still headed in that direction.
“But I’m really excited about where we are today… Just really appreciative of the way that he handled it and that his story is not written, and we’re going to continue to coach and develop him.”
Vikings Predicted to Be Playoff Bound With Kyler Murray
With the decision now made in Minnesota, CBS Sports’ Emory Hunt shared an outlook on the Vikings with the team having Murray as QB1.
“The expectations are to get to the postseason and win a postseason game because that’s why you go out and get Kyler Murray,” Hunt said in an Aug. 11 appearance on “CBS Sports HQ.” “If you didn’t want to enhance your chances of getting deep into the postseason and making perhaps a Super Bowl run, you would have stayed with J.J. McCarthy and rode the wave of improvement from week to week.
“But you go and get Kyler Murray because you felt like you have a high-floor defense and a high-floor offense from a personnel perspective. So why not go get a quarterback that can help enhance that and move this thing forward? 11-6 is the floor for the Vikings. Anything they build on top of that is just gravy.”
With Kyler Murray being named Vikings’ starting QB as expected, what becomes of J.J. McCarthy?
https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/article/with-kyler-murray-being-named-vikings-starting-qb-as-expected-what-becomes-of-jj-mccarthy-173813293.html
The bad part for J.J. McCarthy being named the Minnesota Vikings’ backup on Tuesday, before the Vikings even play a preseason game, isn’t that he lost the competition. It’s that Tuesday’s news announced by Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell that Kyler Murray had been named starting quarterback was confirmation that it was never really a competition at all.
The NFL offseason can be long and some pumped up the “competition” between Kyler Murray and McCarthy like it was a real thing, but everyone should have known better. There was a small chance that McCarthy had a fantastic camp, showing why he was the 10th pick of the NFL Draft just two years ago, and winning the job. That didn’t happen, and the Vikings weren’t going to waste the rest of August on the charade.
The way it all unfolded is bad news for McCarthy, who has just 10 career starts but now faces a big question: What happens next?
…
Clearly, the Vikings were fed up. They went 9-8 despite ranking 30th in the NFL with a 75.3 passer rating, and had to believe that even mediocre quarterback play would have gotten them to the playoffs. Murray can be a mediocre quarterback.
Clearly, the Vikings thought Murray was by far the superior option to start the season, making the call four days before their preseason opener. Though, it seems clear they made that call in March and were just leaving the light on for McCarthy just in case he had a great camp.
He didn’t, and it sure looks like the Vikings are throwing in the towel on the 10th pick after 10 starts.
…
It’s just hard to find a way back for McCarthy, at least in Minnesota. We’re in an era of players like Darnold having a rebirth after not working out with their first (or even second or third) teams. McCarthy is only 23 years old with 243 NFL passing attempts. It might be a long road back, and he’d have to find the right opportunity, but he’ll get other chances. Zach Wilson didn’t work out as the second pick of the 2021 NFL Draft with the Jets, but since April of 2024, three different teams have acquired him. Other highly drafted quarterbacks have gotten multiple chances after struggling right away.
A trade isn’t impossible. The Vikings have Carson Wentz as their No. 3 quarterback, and while he isn’t a preferred starter at this point in his career, he’s a viable backup. Murray is on just a one-year deal so it’s possible the Vikings make McCarthy stick it out (he is signed through 2027 with a fifth-year option for 2028 that seems very unlikely to be picked up), and there’s a chance McCarthy gets a shot to start at some point this season and starts to change the narrative surrounding his career.
But at this point, McCarthy thriving with the Vikings seems to be a long shot. It doesn’t mean his chance to be a good starting NFL quarterback is over. But after this offseason and Tuesday’s predictable news, it’s hard to figure out how it happens in Minnesota.
What Kyler Murray as QB1 means for Vikings, J.J. McCarthy
https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/49582977/new-minnesota-vikings-kyler-murray-jj-mccarthy-starter-qb1
J.J. McCarthy “disappointed” but undaunted after losing Minnesota Vikings’ QB job to Kyler Murray
https://www.cbsnews.com/minnesota/news/jj-mccarthy-reacts-after-losing-minnesota-vikings-qb-job-kyler-murray/
Though he admitted he’s “obviously disappointed,” J.J. McCarthy said losing the Minnesota Vikings’ starting quarterback job to Kyler Murray hasn’t changed his attitude.
“A decision was made that was out of my control,” McCarthy said Wednesday, speaking to the media for the first time since the announcement. “And obviously every competitor wants to play, but moving forward it’s just about continuing to work hard and just staying ready for when my number’s called.”
While the inevitable trade speculation has already begun, McCarthy insists he wants to stay in Minnesota.
“Like I said before, this is the place I want to be,” he said. “I love every single person in this building, I love this state, I love the fanbase. And I’m going to continue to just do whatever I can for this team and this organization.”
At the outset of the QB competition, McCarthy said his relationship with Murray was “like two guys in a classroom.” It doesn’t sound like the bond has developed much beyond that.
“He’s just one of my teammates that I care for and respect, and just like all my teammates in that locker room,” McCarthy said. “It’s about just doing whatever I can for the room and this team and moving forward.”
McCarthy doesn’t know what he needed to do to win the job — “That’s a question for Kevin [O’Connell] and the staff,” he said — but he’s confident he’s on an ascendant trajectory.
“I feel like just me continuing to develop and improve in many different aspects is the only thing I’m worried about,” he said.
Both Murray and McCarthy will play in the Vikings’ first preseason game on Saturday against the New York Giants, O’Connell said. It’ll be fans’ first look at Murray in purple and McCarthy in the backup role.
“I’m really proud of my development,” McCarthy said. “I feel like I’ve grown in so many different areas and it’s going to just continue to do that and I’m going to keep my head down and keep working.”
J.J. McCarthy wants to remain with Vikings, but should he?
https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/j-j-mccarthy-wants-remain-124914985.html
Ultimately, Kevin O’Connell picking Murray over McCarthy feels like the marriage is coming to a close, and it was a short one. It’s possible he finishes off his rookie contract, unless the Vikings can find a trade partner, but once again, Minnesota has appeared to strike out on finding its franchise quarterback through the draft.
You can look throughout the history of the NFL and find quarterbacks who have done better with a change of scenery. Fans were hopeful that McCarthy was going to be the savior of a franchise that has done a poor job of picking quarterbacks in the NFL Draft. But a change of scenery might be best for the former high draft pick
Kevin O’Connell explains J.J. McCarthy’s future with the Vikings
https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/kevin-o-connell-explains-j-192946960.html
“He’s still a guy that’s only played ten games,” O’Connell said on Tuesday. “He’s shown improvement off of last year. Even in this training camp with the work he’s put in and his comfort level, just growing a little bit day in and day out. Very excited to continue to get to work with him every single day, coach him.
“As he knows, he’s holding the pen on his story and we’re gonna support him and try to just help him continue to improve at the most difficult position in sports. He’s gotta also understand, this isn’t just a long-term mindset, which we want to have always for a player of his caliber and a young player like him, but it could be an immediate response needed. J.J.’s the kind of guy that’ll be ready to rock and roll, I know that.”
What happened to J.J. McCarthy? Looking back as it all unraveled in Minnesota for the former top 10 pick
https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/j-j-mccarthy-qb-timeline-how-former-top-10-pick-lost-starting-job/
4 Moves Minnesota Vikings Should Make After Naming Kyler Murray Starter
https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/4-moves-minnesota-vikings-naming-223333738.html
Extend Andrew Van Ginkel, Isaiah Rodgers, and Jordan Mason
Re-Sign Harrison Smith
Sign Leonard Floyd
Trade J.J. McCarthy
Now Comes the Hard Part For Kevin O’Connell and the Vikings
https://zonecoverage.com/2026/minnesota-vikings-news/now-comes-the-hard-part-for-kevin-oconnell-and-the-vikings/
Vikings Training Camp Observations: Jordan Mason & Aaron Jones, Sr., Burst for Big Gains
https://www.vikings.com/news/2026-training-camp-observations-jordan-mason-aaron-jones-gains
Defensive Coordinator Brian Flores spoke before the session and prefaced the business trip to New York/New Jersey this weekend by noting it’s a great opportunity to execute assignments under stress.
“It’s been a really good training camp so far,” Flores told media. “I think guys are getting better, improving techniques, fundamentals, communication, camaraderie. A lot of competition really across the board. I think we’ve got a good vibe, a good energy, and starting to form an identity defensively, day after day after day. And I think the guys continue to put work in, good meetings, good walk-through, good practice — stacking good days, just kind of seeking improvement in all their different areas, specific and relative to their position. And we’ve had a lot of fun as well. So just want to continue on that trajectory.”
- Running room
The “Play of the Day” belonged to RB Jordan Mason, who popped a home run versus the second defense. Mason, who is listed at 230 pounds, ran through a tremendous hole on the right side of the line between guard Joe Huber (standing in for Will Fries, again) and tackle Brian O’Neill, then accelerated into the clear for a long TD. The 27-year-old Mason has a bruiser’s reputation, but on this occasion, he was more like a blur.
Later on, while the first offense competed against the first defense, Mason cued his physicality and lowered his center of gravity as he rummaged through bodies for a chunk. Aaron Jones, Sr., kicked off the same period with a big gainer to the left side, and he did even better near the end of practice, accepting an inside handoff and cutting to his right ever so slightly before taking off for a probable six-point play.
Rookie Demond Claiborne had a couple solid carries, as well, including a burst around the left end for the second offense (versus the first defense) that was set up by nifty blocks on the very first play of 11-on-11.
- Scheming heat
Minnesota’s pressure packages looked like they were in mid-season form.
On one down early in practice, Joshua Metellus collected a sack, zipping in untouched off the edge when the first defense brought the house against the second-team offense and QB J.J. McCarthy. A few plays after that, Jalen Redmond and Jamal Adams met, quickly, in the backfield for a “would be” sack of the third-year quarterback. But wait, the second defense wanted in, too. Isaiahh Loudermilk, who teammates and coaches call “Milk,” busted free for a sack on Murray in another all-out look that dropped a player or two into coverage once the play began.
- In rhythm: K1 & Jets
For the second consecutive practice, there was clear chemistry between Murray and Jefferson.
Their highlights Wednesday started with a pretty connection in the post, in which Murray nailed the WR1 in stride, and then a follow-up pass to “Jets” bordering the right sideline that would’ve moved the sticks.
They also clicked in the 7-on-7 period, with Murray going to Jefferson in a timely manner on a shallow in-breaker, and again on a deep out route that brought applause and Griddy celebrations from the fans.
Vikings’ Justin Jefferson: Building rapport with Murray
https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/football/news/vikings-justin-jefferson-building-rapport-with-murray/
Vikings news: Why analyst believes Kyler Murray could have career year
https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/vikings-news-why-analyst-believes-220600285.html
Vikings GM Nolan Teasley Reveals What He’s Looking to See in Roster Competition
https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/vikings-gm-nolan-teasley-reveals-120000859.html
Tatum Everett, team employee of the Minnesota Vikings, conducted a quick sideline interview with the front office leader over the weekend. What is Teasley looking to see in the upcoming preseason games? His response: “We try to keep it simple. We’re just looking for production. We’re looking for playmakers. And really what that tells us is that you’ve been focused and taking advantage of your time. Your alignment, assignment, and technique is sound, and that allows you to apply what you’ve learned and apply it to game day situations.”
Minnesota Vikings’ 23-Year-Old Defender’s ‘Monster’ Offseason Hyped by NFL Insider
https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/minnesota-vikings-23-old-defender-195638250.html
According to Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated, Turner has had a “monster offseason.” While some anticipate the Vikings’ pass-rush to take a step back after trading their Pro Bowl edge rusher while releasing Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave (two more Pro Bowlers), Breer believes Brian Flores’s unit is actually ready to take a step forward instead. And Turner is a big reason why.
“The pass rush would be another area where I’d bet on there being improvement, even with Jonathan Greenard, who backslid last year a bit from where he was in 2024, gone. Van Ginkel is certainly a key part. However, the bigger piece might be 2024 first-round pick Dallas Turner, who’s had a monster offseason and seems to be starting to realize the enormous amount of talent he’s always had. Tyler Batty has had a nice start to camp, and he’ll help in that area, along with second-round pick Jake Golday, who has the versatility and athleticism to play on and off the line.”
Vikings news: Mike Florio calls out Adam Schefter over J.J. McCarthy propaganda
https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/vikings-news-mike-florio-calls-162441033.html
Now, NBC Sports Pro Football Talk analyst Mike Florio has taken a dig at ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter, who has been accused of showing bias toward McCarthy during his reporting on the Vikings’ situation.
“Although card-carrying Michigan man Adam Schefter is being justifiably dragged for carrying McCarthy’s water, Schefter’s pro-McCarthy take carries a distinct message: McCarthy, whether he admits it or not, likely wants out,” wrote Florio.
Vikings Release 1st Unofficial Depth Chart of 2026 Season
https://www.vikings.com/news/preseason-2026-depth-chart-unofficial-nfl
Vikings Get Surprising J.J. McCarthy Trade Idea Involving Lions
https://heavy.com/sports/nfl/minnesota-vikings/surprising-jj-mccarthy-trade-idea-lions/
Vikings Trade Pitch Sends JJ McCarthy to AFC After Kyler Murray Named Starter
https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/vikings-trade-pitch-sends-jj-195854818.html
3 NFL Teams That Could Trade For Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy
https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/3-nfl-teams-could-trade-165944972.html
Browns, Jets Get Intriguing Trade Idea for Vikings’ J.J. McCarthy
https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/browns-jets-intriguing-trade-idea-023303192.html
3 Players the Vikings Could Trade Before the Season Starts
https://zonecoverage.com/2026/minnesota-vikings-news/3-players-the-vikings-could-trade-before-the-season-start/
5 Minnesota Vikings Bold Predictions for Preseason Opener vs Giants
https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/5-minnesota-vikings-bold-predictions-130000234.html
NFL Power Rankings, 2026: Updated NFC North rankings after Kyler Murray news
https://nflspinzone.com/nfl-power-rankings-2026-updated-nfc-north-rankings-after-kyler-murray-news-01kzs9vv56v2
Bears get rare great news as Vikings just made a brutal QB mistake
https://beargoggleson.com/chicago-bears-get-rare-great-news-as-vikings-just-made-a-brutal-qb-mistake
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