NFL QB tiers reveal enormous gap in Vikings quarterback competition

The Minnesota Vikings have described their quarterback competition as open, but NFL coaches and executives see a substantial difference between the two leading candidates. Kyler Murray landed at No. 21 and remained in Tier 3 in The Athletic’s 2026 NFL Quarterback Tiers. J.J. McCarthy ranked No. 34 out of 35 veteran quarterbacks and was placed in Tier 4.

The survey, conducted by Mike Sando, included 29 coaches and 21 executives. The 50 voters placed each quarterback into one of five tiers based on his ability to carry an offense and succeed in difficult passing situations.

The 13-position gap does not decide Minnesota’s competition, but it underscores why Murray entered training camp with a credible opportunity to win the job.

Murray was placed in Tier 3 for the fourth consecutive year despite an injury-shortened final season with Arizona. One defensive coordinator told The Athletic that Murray could experience one of the survey’s biggest changes because he will work with Kevin O’Connell, have better weapons and arrive with something to prove.

Minnesota signed Murray to a one-year contract after Arizona released him. The former No. 1 overall pick brings 87 career starts, two Pro Bowl selections and 121 touchdown passes to the competition. He has also rushed for 3,193 yards and 32 touchdowns, giving O’Connell a dynamic movement option at quarterback.

Murray appeared in only five games during 2025 before a foot injury ended his season. His recent availability and inconsistency prevented him from climbing higher, but evaluators clearly remain intrigued by his talent and fit in Minnesota.

McCarthy received 39 Tier 4 votes, 10 Tier 5 votes and only one Tier 3 selection. His No. 34 ranking represented a six-position decline from the previous year.

The former first-round pick completed 57.6% of his passes for 1,632 yards, 11 touchdowns and 12 interceptions during his first 10 NFL starts. McCarthy finished with a 72.6 passer rating after missing his entire rookie season because of a knee injury.

One executive praised McCarthy’s toughness but questioned how long Minnesota’s coaches would remain patient with his inconsistent mechanics and tendency to overthrow receivers. Those concerns make training camp especially important for a quarterback the Vikings selected 10th overall in 2024.

O’Connell has continued dividing opportunities between Murray and McCarthy, allowing both quarterbacks to work with the first-team offense. The competition will ultimately be determined on the practice field, but the survey shows how the league views it from the outside.

Murray is considered a capable NFL starter with the potential to improve in Minnesota’s system. McCarthy is being asked to prove he can become one.

This article originally appeared on Vikings Wire: NFL QB tiers reveal enormous gap in Vikings quarterback competition