Minnesota Vikings make decision on starting QB after offseason battle between JJ McCarthy and Kyler Murray
The Minnesota Vikings have named Kyler Murray as their starting quarterback for the upcoming season, choosing him over former first-round draft pick JJ McCarthy.
The 29-year-old signed with the Vikings during the offseason after being released by the Arizona Cardinals, putting pen to paper on a one-year deal worth $1.3 million.
Murray signed a minimum deal with the Vikings – while Arizona paid him $35.5 million – with the hope of becoming their starting quarterback, which was confirmed by Adam Schefter on Tuesday afternoon.
McCarthy, meanwhile, will have to settle for being backup in the latest blow to his NFL career after missing his entire rookie season due to injury.
He started just 10 games last year for Minnesota, leading them to victory in six of them, before again having his season curtailed due to a number of injuries.
The decision comes following a training camp battle in Eagan, where Murray took the majority of first-team reps while acclimating to head coach Kevin O’Connell’s offensive system.
The Minnesota Vikings have named Kyler Murray as their starting quarterback
Former first-round draft pick JJ McCarthy will settle for back up in O’Connell’s team
Murray will now have a month of practice full time with the Vikings’ starting offense ahead of the regular season which begins against the Packers on September 13.
It means that Murray will become the Vikings’ fourth different Week 1 starting quarterback in the past four years. Previously Kirk Cousins, Sam Darnold and McCarthy began as Minnesota’s starting signal caller.
More to follow…
