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They were asked the same question, but new Minnesota Vikings quarterback 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 due to a knee injury) was a roller coaster ride despite a 6-4 record. 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 made the decision to add a veteran presence this offseason, signing Murray, the former first overall pick of the Arizona Cardinals, who was released after his own up-and-down career in the desert.
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Kyler Murray and JJ McCarthy of the Minnesota Vikings watch during an OTA workout at Twin Cities Orthopedics Performance Center in Eagan, Minnesota, on May 27, 2026. (David Berding/Getty Images)
Murray’s arrival, however, points to one thing: Who will be head coach Kevin O’Connell’s starting quarterback in Week 1? Many are pointing to Murray, who is entering his eighth NFL season, rather than McCarthy, who could use some more development before assuming the starting role again.
During an offseason practice this week, Murray and McCarthy were asked about their relationship, and the former gave a veteran response, as might be expected from a player on a new team.
“It’s been fantastic,” Murray said of working with McCarthy. “Obviously, I know he’s a younger guy, so I can help him in any way. I’ve been playing for seven years and I’ve been around for eight. So I’m considered a veteran even though I don’t see myself as one. Give him any knowledge he needs. Again, we’re both competitors, and I know we both want the best for the team.”
Murray was also asked how McCarthy could accept criticism or coaching from a veteran like him.
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“Of course. He’s too easygoing. He’s always communicating, asking questions. Stuff like that. So it’s been good,” he said.
Everything seemed to be going well in the land of the Vikings until McCarthy gave a rather interesting answer to a similar line of questioning during his availability.
“They’re like two kids in a classroom,” he said of working with Murray. “He sits on one side, I sit on the other, and it’s the coach’s responsibility to teach us and coach us.”
Of course, the reporters continued with the Michigan product and one of them asked if there was any awkwardness between them.
Kyler Murray of the Minnesota Vikings participates in a drill during an OTA workout at the Twin Cities Orthopedics Performance Center in Eagan, Minnesota, on May 27, 2026. (David Berding/Getty Images)
“Awkwardness? It’s like the same feeling when you’re in high school and there’s another person across the room. It’s kind of like that, so I wouldn’t say there’s any awkwardness,” McCarthy responded.
Now, there’s no doubt these two will go head-to-head for the same job this summer in training camp. But, as Murray said, the idea should be to do what’s best for the team.
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It may be too early to analyze McCarthy’s strange 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 offseason for the Vikings.
The Vikings failed to make the playoffs last season, as they finished 9-8 in O’Connell’s fourth year as head coach. This came after a year in which they went 14-3 with Sam Darnold at center while McCarthy rehabbed an injury.
Kyler Murray of the Minnesota Vikings participates in a drill during an OTA workout at the Twin Cities Orthopedics Performance Center in Eagan, Minnesota, on May 27, 2026. (David Berding/Getty Images)
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The Vikings did not re-sign Darnold, as Carson Wentz provided backup for McCarthy when rosters were formed in the 2025 offseason.
Instead, Darnold signed with the Seattle Seahawks and ultimately helped lead them to a Super Bowl LX victory over the New England Patriots in February.
