J.J. McCarthy lost the battle. On Tuesday, head coach Kevin O’Connell announced that Kyler Murray, a free-agent newcomer, would start in 2026, leaving McCarthy’s future up in the air. For now, McCarthy is on deck as the Minnesota Vikings’ QB2 this season.
He also offered candid thoughts a day later, explaining that he must develop more and improve overall.
McCarthy Isn’t Looking Back at the QB Battle
McCarthy Points to Continued Development
McCarthy had an opportunity to explain why he wasn’t named QB1 – – addressing potential factors like processing, accuracy, timing, turnovers, or command – – but he deferred the question to the decision-makers. His press conference was notably relaxed and team-focused. The only puzzling aspect was his omission of a direct explanation for Murray’s selection over him.
“That’s a question for Kevin and the staff. You know, I feel like just me continuing to develop and improve in many different aspects is the only thing I’m worried about,” McCarthy said.
McCarthy didn’t attempt to diagnose his second-place finish. Instead, he deferred that evaluation to O’Connell and the coaching staff while acknowledging that his own development remains ongoing.
The Competition Was Not Unfair, He Says
McCarthy also didn’t take any shots at O’Connell or the process that led to Murray as the 2026 starter. Reporters gave McCarthy two opportunities to question the process. He didn’t.
“Honestly, I wasn’t thinking about that at all. I was just thinking about that opportunity, that next opportunity to capitalize on and continue to develop and grow. That’s really all I was focused on,” he told reporters.
“I couldn’t control anything during, couldn’t control anything after, and the only thing I could do is focus on that next rep and keep attacking.”
McCarthy, at least outwardly, didn’t claim he was screwed or cheated. For him, it’s an onward mindset.
“This is the place I want to be. And I love every single person in this building. I love the state. I love the fan base, and I’m going to continue to just do whatever I can for this team and this organization,” McCarthy declared about his future.
McCarthy Still Thinks He Should Be an NFL Starter
McCarthy didn’t get the QB 1 gig, but he also didn’t change his tune. When a media member asked him directly if he thought he was an NFL starting quarterback, he immediately said yes.
“Yes, I believe so. You know, I’m always going to have that confidence in myself no matter what. But at this time, it’s doing whatever I can for the team and being ready when my number’s called, and that’s all that matters. That’s all I can control.”
It’s worth noting that two of the last three Vikings seasons have been uprooted by quarterback injuries, and Murray has missed 26% of all starts since 2019 due to injury. Recent history suggests that McCarthy could get a chance to lead Minnesota as the QB1 before it’s all said and done in 2026.
Ball Out against the Giants?
McCarthy and Murray have been practicing against Brian Flores’s defense for over two weeks – – exclusively that defense. On Saturday, McCarthy will play, and his team faces the New York Giants. He should get ample playing time after Murray’s drive or two.
“Some of the biggest things I learned is just the ability to stay present and stay connected to your fundamentals that play and really know the ins and outs of every situation,” McCarthy mentioned about training camp. He then spoke about his team’s defense.
“There’s been a lot of growth with just obviously going against Flo’s defense and being in it for the third year now and being able to see those different complex schemes. But it was just a lot of ball that I learned and a lot of great experience, great reps.”
While McCarthy won’t retake the QB1 job based on a solid preseason showing, he can change the court of public opinion in the three preseason games starting this weekend.
───────────── ─────────────
VikesNow Verdict: McCarthy believes he’s an NFL starter, but he isn’t publicly litigating why Minnesota chose Murray. His answer was simpler: keep developing and be ready. Saturday begins the more important part – – showing O’Connell what the Vikings might still have in him.
───────────── ─────────────
About The Author
