Kyler Murray named Vikings starting QB. What does that mean for JJ McCarthy?

The Minnesota Vikings‘ quarterback competition is over.

Kyler Murray has won the starting job over 2024 first-round pick J.J. McCarthy after a battle for the gig in training camp, according to a report from ESPN. Murray, 29, was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft and joined the Vikings this offseason after his release from the Arizona Cardinals.

McCarthy, 23, was the No. 10 pick in the 2024 Draft. He missed all of his rookie season in 2024 with a knee injury he sustained in the preseason, and he missed seven games in 2025 with a high ankle sprain and hand injury.

When McCarthy was healthy, he still struggled in his 10 starts in 2025.

Between McCarthy’s injury issues and on-field struggles, the Vikings had reason to pursue a veteran quarterback like Murray to compete for the starting job. Now, the veteran has won the job, leaving McCarthy’s NFL future uncertain.

This story will be updated.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Kyler Murray named Vikings starting QB. What does that mean for JJ McCarthy?