Minnesota Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell said Tuesday that quarterback J.J. McCarthy continues to show progress even after the team named Kyler Murray its starter for the 2026 season.
O’Connell addressed McCarthy’s future shortly after the decision, emphasizing the young quarterback’s limited experience and ongoing growth.
“He’s still a guy that’s only played 10 games. He’s shown improvement off of last year. Even in this training camp with the work he’s put in and his comfort level, just growing a little bit day in and day out. Very excited to continue to get to work with him every single day, coach him,” O’Connell said.
McCarthy, selected 10th overall in the 2024 NFL draft out of Michigan, has appeared in just 10 career games, all as a starter in 2025. He compiled a 6-4 record while completing 140 of 243 passes for 1,632 yards with 11 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. His passer rating stood at 72.6.
He also contributed with his legs, rushing 37 times for 181 yards and four touchdowns.Injuries have limited McCarthy’s opportunities since entering the league. A torn meniscus sidelined him for his entire 2024 rookie season. In 2025, a high ankle sprain forced him to miss five games, and he later sat out additional contests because of a concussion and a hairline fracture in his throwing hand.
The Vikings signed Murray to a one-year, $1.3 million contract in March after the Arizona Cardinals released him. Murray, the No. 1 overall pick in 2019 and a two-time Pro Bowl selection, will compete for a larger payday next offseason under a deal that includes a no-tag clause.
O’Connell made clear that McCarthy must remain prepared for an immediate role if needed while the organization supports his long-term development.
“As he knows, he’s holding the pen on his story and we’re gonna support him and try to just help him continue to improve at the most difficult position in sports. He’s gotta also understand, this isn’t just a long-term mindset, which we want to have always for a player of his caliber and a young player like him but it could be an immediate response needed. J.J.’s the kind of guy that’ll be ready to rock and roll. I know that,” O’Connell said.
At 23 years old and listed at 6-foot-3 and 219 pounds, McCarthy still has two years remaining on his four-year rookie contract. The deal was fully guaranteed at signing for approximately $21.85 million.
The quarterback competition dominated the early portion of training camp, with both players splitting first- and second-team repetitions. O’Connell had previously indicated the evaluation would continue into camp and that both would receive opportunities.
Murray’s dual-threat ability and experience provided a contrast to McCarthy’s developmental timeline. The former Oklahoma standout brings seven seasons of NFL starts and more than 3,000 career rushing yards.
Minnesota opens the regular season Sept. 13 against the Green Bay Packers. The Vikings finished outside the playoffs in 2025 after McCarthy’s injury-interrupted campaign.
O’Connell’s comments signal that the organization views McCarthy as a work in progress rather than a finished product. The coach has long been regarded for his work with quarterbacks, including guiding Sam Darnold to a strong 2024 season before the former Viking signed elsewhere.
McCarthy’s college résumé included leading Michigan to a perfect 15-0 record and a national championship in 2023. He earned Big Ten Quarterback of the Year honors that season.
With Murray now locked in as the starter, McCarthy will work as the primary backup while continuing daily refinement under O’Connell and the coaching staff. The Vikings also carry veteran Carson Wentz on the roster for additional depth.
O’Connell stressed the importance of daily improvement for a player still early in his professional career. McCarthy’s 10 starts represent a fraction of the experience typically accumulated by a third-year quarterback.
The head coach’s measured tone reflected both realism about the limited sample size and optimism about McCarthy’s trajectory in camp. Reporters noted the emphasis on process over immediate results.
For a franchise that has sought stability at the position, the dual approach of a veteran starter and a developing high draft pick offers flexibility heading into the season.
Murray’s arrival created a genuine competition that forced McCarthy to elevate his preparation. The young quarterback has spoken previously about focusing on controllable factors amid the battle.
As training camp continues and the preseason approaches, McCarthy’s role will center on readiness and further growth. O’Connell’s public support underscores the organization’s investment in the former Michigan star despite the recent decision at the top of the depth chart.
The Vikings’ offensive talent, including wide receiver Justin Jefferson, provides a supportive environment for whichever quarterback is under center.
McCarthy’s future in purple remains tied to continued daily progress in the coming months.
