Do we have a quarterback battle in Minnesota? Based on how things are going so far this off-season, it appears that is the case for the Vikings. Despite Minnesota signing Murray this past March, they have been more committed to JJ McCarthy. The veteran was brought in on just a one-year contract for the NFL league minimum, while McCarthy was drafted in the first round in 2024.
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Should Track Record Matter?
At this point, Murray is the better quarterback based on his track record, but at the same time, it didn’t work out for him in Arizona. The talent is still there, but can he turn that into results? For starters, Murray needs to learn a new playbook, not exactly his strength, and stay healthy (another weakness).
Even when he played all 17 games in 2024, Murray only threw for 3,851 yards, and it’s not exactly a recipe for success. However, the same can be said for McCarthy in his 10 games last season. It was his first NFL action, and he failed to distinguish himself. McCarthy threw for just 1,632 yards and 11 touchdowns with 12 interceptions.
Between the two quarterbacks, Murray profiles as the better option, but are we being fair to McCarthy? Now that he’s fully healthy and adjusted to life in the NFL, will he be better? Have we already seen the best of Murray?
The answers to those questions are still to be determined, and this off-season will go a long way in determining that. It’s important to remember that things can go in either direction. And maybe the Vikings are tipping their hands to there being a competition?
Murray Isn’t Happy
Murray let his feelings be felt, and did open practice on Tuesday as the number one quarterback, but that’s where things took a potentially unexpected turn. Despite taking the field first, Murray and McCarthy had the same number of snaps. It’s what they did with those snaps that were very different.
In 10 reps, Murray had six interceptions with just two touchdowns, while McCarthy had touchdowns in eight of his nine reps without throwing an interception. Murray can be as frustrated as he wants to about the equal division of work, but he also needs to be better. Yes, he’s learning a new playbook, but he needs to put in the effort off the field as well.
Between his struggles and initial frustration, Murray’s stint with Minnesota isn’t off to the best start. It wouldn’t be surprising to see McCarthy throw the majority of passes this year for the Vikings.
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