JJ McCarthy Wouldn’t Seek Trade Even If He’s Kyler Murray’s No. 2

Kyler Murray's arrival has led to a split in practice reps for JJ McCarthy despite a decent rookie campaign for Vikings.

JJ McCarthy Wouldn’t Seek Trade Even If He’s Kyler Murray’s No. 2

Kyler Murray and JJ McCarthy are battling to start for Vikings (Image via TPPSkol/Bleacher Report/X)

A new NFL season, and new problems for the Minnesota Vikings, as they have to figure out who, among JJ McCarthy and Kyler Murray, they would hand the reins of their offense to.

Last season, the Michigan Wolverine had decent success leading the offense as a rookie. In 10 starts, he threw for 1,632 yards and 11 touchdowns. Along with that, he also threw 12 interceptions, but that is expected of rookie QBs.

Despite some injury struggles, he led the Vikings to some memorable victories before another injury stopped his season. Anyone looking at these accomplishments would think that the 23-year-old has proven he can lead the team and develop into something better with time.

However, the franchise does not want to wait forever. Last year, some of its frustrations got to its best players, and the organization felt it needed to speed things up.

In came Murray, and the clear mutual admiration between the diminutive QB and the Vikings is clear. That and his performances in training camp led reporters to ask McCarthy whether he would explore a trade if he became QB2.

I think I made it very clear I wanted to be here before I got here. I love this organization, I love the coaching staff, I absolutely love these players to death. This is where I want to be. I feel like I can thrive in this system… Everything played out exactly how I wanted it, I wouldn’t want anything else to change.

JJ McCarthy replied

This response makes it clear that JJ McCarthy is not going to look for another team if he winds up playing backup to Murray next season.

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Kyler Murray’s struggles in practice could be good news for JJ McCarthy

JJ McCarthy already facing questions about his future is a sign that this is likely going to be the theme for this upcoming season. Every time either he or Kyler Murray struggles, the conversations will only get louder.

Murray and McCarthy locked in QB1 battle
Murray and McCarthy locked in QB1 battle (Image via Vikingz FP/X)

Now, it seems it is split evenly. On one hand, there are concerns that the former 10th overall pick is behind his new teammate. On the other hand, reports suggest the former Arizona Cardinal is struggling with interceptions.

90 minutes into practice, Murray and McCarthy, they are splitting reps with the 1’s, and Kyler Murray got the nod to go first today. Might want that back. Back-to-back interceptions thrown during 7v7.

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Those picks will not be a good sign this early into his life as a Viking. However, the ESPN reporter added that the team is not panicking, and that head coach Kevin O’Connell will give it time before deciding on his QB1.

The offensive wizard is looking for ‘intangibles’ and will base his decision on everything he observes. This means that the chances of McCarthy starting are still possible.

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Kyler Murray unhappy about splitting reps with JJ McCarthy

Interceptions are not a good look for any quarterback looking to earn a starting job. Then, when the said athlete has to split reps with his rival, it makes matters more difficult.

Now, 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, that’s probably the toughest part.

Kyler Murray said

This was the 28-year-old replying to what the toughest part of learning the Vikings’ offense has been for him. Kyler Murray pointed out that with the Cardinals, he had the luxury of having the offensive coordinator’s complete attention.

Now, he is splitting it with McCarthy, who already has experience playing and learning the system for two years. It seems that the going will only continue to get tougher for the two-time Pro Bowler, unless he fast-tracks his education and starts to use it to out-battle his teammate.

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