- Joined
- May 8, 2002
- Posts
- 1,268,710
- Reaction score
- 59
J.J. McCarthy couldn’t have thought a little more than two years ago, when he was the 10th pick of the NFL Draft, that he’d already be giving what amounts to a concession speech and proclaiming that he still wanted to be with the Minnesota Vikings.
The Vikings announced on Tuesday that Kyler Murray would begin the season as their starting quarterback. The fact that the announcement came before the Vikings’ preseason opener probably said a lot about how legitimate the competition really was. When Murray was signed it was assumed he would be the QB1 over Murray, and that’s what happened.
McCarthy is in a weird spot, in his third season with a good draft pedigree, but coming off a poor 2025 season and already being benched. But he handled the news as well as could be expected. That included saying he’ll support Murray and that he wants to remain with the Vikings.
"This is the place I want to be,” McCarthy said when he spoke to the media on Wednesday, via Fox 9 in Minneapolis. “And I love every single person in this building. I love the state. I love the fan base and I'm going to continue to just do whatever I can for this team and this organization.”
We’ll see if that comes to pass, considering the Vikings made some clear statements about where McCarthy stands this offseason.
J.J. McCarthy was informed that Kyler Murray will begin this season as the Vikings' starting quarterback. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)
David Berding via Getty Images
McCarthy could still emerge as a preferred starting option with the Vikings, but it looks like a long path to that given Minnesota’s moves this offseason.
There’s not much he can do about it. The Vikings still have him under contract through next season. He’d probably need a Murray injury or a slump to play again. But he said he’ll keep preparing for what’s next.
"Look, a decision was made that was out of my control. Obviously every competitor wants to play. Moving forward, it’s just about continuing to work hard and just staying ready for when my number is called," McCarthy said, via Fox 9. "Obviously disappointed, I’m a competitor. But at the end of the day, it’s in the past. I’m moving onto the next practice, the next rep and the same mindset I had going into it.”
When Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell talked about the decision on Tuesday he spoke about McCarthy having a future with the organization. But for now, he’ll have to wait behind Murray.
The Vikings clearly didn’t want McCarthy to be their starter this season after he struggled last season. But they did trade up to take him in 2025, and we’ve seen other quarterbacks emerge as viable starters after failing early in their career.
"He's a young player with a whole bunch of outstanding things in his future. I genuinely believe that J.J. is going to work as hard as ever," Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell said Tuesday, via the team’s site. "Just because the immediate, temporary result wasn't exactly what he wanted, I know he's going to be ready to go, to continue to improve and the long-term mindset of him as a Minnesota Viking and all the things he's brought here is absolutely part of the long-term vision for sure. I'm excited to see him go do that and get to do it with him."
The Vikings could still entertain a trade. They have Carson Wentz on the roster as a veteran option to back up Murray going into the season. But right now McCarthy is on the roster and he and the Vikings will figure out where it goes from there.
It’s just not what McCarthy expected this soon into his Vikings career.
Continue reading...
The Vikings announced on Tuesday that Kyler Murray would begin the season as their starting quarterback. The fact that the announcement came before the Vikings’ preseason opener probably said a lot about how legitimate the competition really was. When Murray was signed it was assumed he would be the QB1 over Murray, and that’s what happened.
McCarthy is in a weird spot, in his third season with a good draft pedigree, but coming off a poor 2025 season and already being benched. But he handled the news as well as could be expected. That included saying he’ll support Murray and that he wants to remain with the Vikings.
"This is the place I want to be,” McCarthy said when he spoke to the media on Wednesday, via Fox 9 in Minneapolis. “And I love every single person in this building. I love the state. I love the fan base and I'm going to continue to just do whatever I can for this team and this organization.”
We’ll see if that comes to pass, considering the Vikings made some clear statements about where McCarthy stands this offseason.
You must be registered for see images
J.J. McCarthy was informed that Kyler Murray will begin this season as the Vikings' starting quarterback. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)
David Berding via Getty Images
J.J. McCarthy disappointed to not be QB1
McCarthy could still emerge as a preferred starting option with the Vikings, but it looks like a long path to that given Minnesota’s moves this offseason.
There’s not much he can do about it. The Vikings still have him under contract through next season. He’d probably need a Murray injury or a slump to play again. But he said he’ll keep preparing for what’s next.
"Look, a decision was made that was out of my control. Obviously every competitor wants to play. Moving forward, it’s just about continuing to work hard and just staying ready for when my number is called," McCarthy said, via Fox 9. "Obviously disappointed, I’m a competitor. But at the end of the day, it’s in the past. I’m moving onto the next practice, the next rep and the same mindset I had going into it.”
When Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell talked about the decision on Tuesday he spoke about McCarthy having a future with the organization. But for now, he’ll have to wait behind Murray.
McCarthy’s future is uncertain
The Vikings clearly didn’t want McCarthy to be their starter this season after he struggled last season. But they did trade up to take him in 2025, and we’ve seen other quarterbacks emerge as viable starters after failing early in their career.
"He's a young player with a whole bunch of outstanding things in his future. I genuinely believe that J.J. is going to work as hard as ever," Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell said Tuesday, via the team’s site. "Just because the immediate, temporary result wasn't exactly what he wanted, I know he's going to be ready to go, to continue to improve and the long-term mindset of him as a Minnesota Viking and all the things he's brought here is absolutely part of the long-term vision for sure. I'm excited to see him go do that and get to do it with him."
The Vikings could still entertain a trade. They have Carson Wentz on the roster as a veteran option to back up Murray going into the season. But right now McCarthy is on the roster and he and the Vikings will figure out where it goes from there.
It’s just not what McCarthy expected this soon into his Vikings career.
Continue reading...
