Minnesota Vikings gear up for 2026 season with Kyler Murray‑JJ McCarthy QB battle

The Minnesota Vikings have signed former Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray and placed him in a competition with 2025 third‑round pick JJ McCarthy for the starting role in 2026. Murray, who missed most of last season with an injury, said the toughest part of adjusting in Minnesota is “having to split reps, me already being behind, not getting the amount of reps you would typically want a guy to get learning the offense.” McCarthy is looking to rebound after an injury‑plagued rookie year and a difficult 2025 season.

Offensive line health also improves as left tackle Christian Darrisaw returns from a torn ACL. Right tackle Bryan O'Neill reported that Darrisaw “looks unbelievable” at mandatory minicamp and added, “I’m so fired up to get him back to what we know he is, and what we know he can be.” The Vikings hope a solid line will protect whichever quarterback starts, complementing receivers Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison and Jauan Jennings.