Murray, McCarthy give different answers on Vikings QB room

New Minnesota Vikings quarterbacks Kyler Murray and J.J. McCarthy gave sharply different answers when asked about their working relationship.

McCarthy, the Vikings’ 2025 first-round pick, missed his entire rookie season with a knee injury. In 10 games last year he threw for 1,632 yards, 11 touchdowns and 12 interceptions while completing 57.6 percent of his passes.

The Vikings signed Murray, the former Arizona Cardinals first overall pick, this offseason to add experience after McCarthy’s uneven season.

Murray, entering his eighth NFL year, is widely viewed as the likely starter for coach Kevin O’Connell in Week 1. During an offseason practice this week, Murray said the two quarterbacks have worked well together.

“It’s been great,” Murray said. “Obviously, I know he’s a younger guy, so any way I can help him. I’ve played seven years now, going onto eight. So, I’m considered a veteran even though I don’t see myself as that. Give him any knowledge that he needs. Again, we’re both competitors, and I know we both want what’s best for the team.”

Murray added that McCarthy has been receptive to coaching. “Of course. He’s overly acceptive. He’s always communicating, asking questions. Stuff like that. So, it’s been good,” he said.

McCarthy offered a cooler assessment. “It’s just like two guys in a classroom,” he said. “He sits on one side, I sit on the other side, and it’s the coach’s responsibility to teach us and coach us.”

When asked if the situation felt awkward, McCarthy compared it to high school. “Awkwardness? It’s just like the same feeling when you’re in high school, and there’s another person on the other side of the room. It’s just kinda how it is, so I wouldn’t say there’s any awkwardness,” he said.

The two will compete for the starting job in training camp. The Vikings finished 9-8 last season and missed the playoffs. They had gone 14-3 the year before with Sam Darnold at quarterback while McCarthy recovered from injury. Darnold later signed with the Seattle Seahawks and led them to a Super Bowl LX win over the New England Patriots in February.