Kyler Murray and JJ McCarthy give contrasting answers on Vikings QB room

They were asked the same question, but the Minnesota Vikings quarterback’s new teammates, Kyler Murray and JJ McCarthy, had two completely different answers.

McCarthy’s first full season with the Vikings — the 2025 first-round pick missed his entire rookie year with a knee injury — was a rollercoaster despite going 6-4. He threw for 1,632 yards with 11 touchdowns and 12 interceptions and a 57.6% completion rate in his 10 games under center.

As a result, the Vikings decided to add a veteran presence this offseason, signing Murray, the former No. 1 overall pick of the Arizona Cardinals, who was released after his own checkered career in the desert.

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Murray’s arrival, however, indicates one thing: Who will be head coach Kevin O’Connell’s starting quarterback in Week 1? Many are pointing the finger at Murray, who is entering his eighth season in the NFL, rather than McCarthy, who may need more development before taking over the starting job.

During an offseason workout this week, Murray and McCarthy were both asked about the relationship they have, with the former giving a veteran answer as one might expect for a player on a new team.

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

Murray was also asked how McCarthy could take criticism or coaching from a veteran like him.

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“Of course. He’s so open. He’s always communicating, asking questions. Stuff like that. So, it’s been good,” he said.

All seemed well in Viking country until McCarthy gave a rather interesting answer to a similar series of questions during his availability.

“It’s like two guys in a classroom,” he said of working with Murray. “He sits on one side, I sit on the other side, and it’s the coach’s responsibility to teach us and coach us.”

Of course, reporters followed the Michigan product, with one asking if there was any awkwardness between them.

Kyler Murray of the Minnesota Vikings participates in a drill during an OTA practice at the Twin Cities Orthopedics Performance Center in Eagan, Minnesota on May 27, 2026. (David Berding/Getty Images)

“Embarrassment? It’s the same feeling when you’re in high school and there’s another person across the room. It’s just kind of like that, so I wouldn’t say there’s any awkwardness,” McCarthy responded.

Now, there’s no doubt that these two will be competing for the same job this summer at training camp. But, like Murray said, the idea should be to do what’s best for the team.

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It may be too early to examine McCarthy’s bizarre response, but at the same time, thoughts of a controversial quarterback room in Minnesota will undoubtedly creep into the minds of football fans ahead of an interesting preseason for the Vikings.

The Vikings failed to reach the playoffs last season, as they finished 9-8 in O’Connell’s fourth year as head coach. This came after a year where they went 14-3 with Sam Darnold at center while McCarthy was recovering from an injury.

Kyler Murray of the Minnesota Vikings participates in a drill during an OTA practice at the Twin Cities Orthopedics Performance Center in Eagan, Minnesota on May 27, 2026. (David Berding/Getty Images)

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Darnold was not re-signed by the Vikings, as Carson Wentz instead provided a replacement for McCarthy when the teams were formed during the 2025 offseason.

Instead, Darnold signed with the Seattle Seahawks and eventually helped them to a Super Bowl LX victory over the New England Patriots in February.