3 Reasons Why Kyler Murray Should be QB1 in Minnesota Over JJ McCarthy

The Vikings management should not have to think too hard about whom to give the starting position.

3 Reasons Why Kyler Murray Should be QB1 in Minnesota Over JJ McCarthy

Kyler Murray and JJ McCarthy (Image via IMAGO)

In Short
  • Kyler Murray has signed a one-year deal with the Minnesota Vikings, including a no-tag clause.
  • The Vikings are considering starting Murray over JJ McCarthy, who struggled with injuries and performance last season.
  • Murray's proven track record and favorable contract situation make him an attractive option for the Vikings and their star receiver, Justin Jefferson.

On Thursday, March 12, the Minnesota Vikings officially unveiled Kyler Murray as their new quarterback recruit. Murray inked a one-year deal that includes a no-tag clause, which will allow him to hit free agency next year, according to Dianna Russini of The Athletic and Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network.

The news comes a couple of days after the Arizona Cardinals released Murray after seven years. Murray said his goodbyes, apologizing to the Cardinals for not being able to help the team win a Super Bowl.

Several quarterback-needy teams reportedly were in the running to sign the former first overall draft pick. Murray eventually chose the Vikings as his new team.

During his inaugural press conference as a Viking, the 28-year-old revealed that choosing Minnesota over any other franchise was a no-brainer for him. That’s because he grew up in a family filled with Vikings’ supporters.

Kyler Murray should start for the Minnesota Vikings instead of JJ McCarthy

The Vikings picked JJ McCarthy in the draft, hoping to groom him as their future franchise quarterback. McCarthy showed promise in the friendly games during his rookie campaign. However, an ACL tear ended his first year without taking a single official snap in the NFL.

3 Reasons Why Kyler Murray Should be QB1 in Minnesota Over JJ McCarthy
Kyler Murray (Image via IMAGO)

Fortunately, the Vikings had picked up Sam Darnold from free agency. The Vikings handed Darnold the QB1 job, who paid them back with a solid start. Halfway through the season, the Vikings acquired Daniel Jones after the New York Giants released him. This move left the NFC North franchise with two former first-round picks as its primary quarterbacks.

Minnesota finished the year with a 14-3 record and qualified for the playoffs. Many believed that Kevin O’Connell would retain either Darnold or Jones for the long term; however, the Vikings decided against extending contracts for both players.

O’Connell trusted McCarthy enough to stick with him for the 2025 season. An ankle injury, a concussion, and a hairline fracture limited McCarthy to only 10 appearances. Carson Wentz played the remaining games, leading the Vikings to a 9-8 record, which was not sufficient to qualify for the playoffs.

McCarthy is gradually getting back to full fitness, but with Murray now on the roster, it’s in the Vikings’ best interest to start the two-time Pro Bowler. Here are some reasons why:

1. Kyler Murray is the superior quarterback

McCarthy went 6-4 in 2025, completing just 57.6% of his passes and throwing 11 touchdowns against 12 picks. Conversely, Murray has never completed less than 64.4% of his passes in a season since entering the NFL. He went on to make the Pro Bowl in both 2020 and 2021, totaling 37 and 29 touchdowns, respectively.

2. The Vikings must take advantage of Murray’s contract situation

Arizona gave Murray a five-year, $230.5 million contract extension, with $160 million guaranteed. For the time being, the Oklahoma alum was the highest-paid quarterback in history.

According to league sources, Arizona will pay the bulk of Murray’s $36.8 million guaranteed salary next season. The Vikings only have to pay Murray the veteran minimum. This deal helped the Cardinals save an additional $19.5 million in cap space.

3. Justin Jefferson gets a proven quarterback

Justin Jefferson, a former first-round pick and LSU alum, is considered one of the best wide receivers in football. Some may even view him as the best, putting up top numbers despite the ever-rotating quarterback room in Minnesota.

Last year, by the numbers, Jefferson had the toughest season of his NFL career. He still recorded 1048 yards on 84 catches. Murray can help him get back to his absolute best. DeAndre Hopkins racked up 1,407 yards on a career-high 115 catches, along with 6 touchdowns, in 16 games during his first season catching passes from Murray in Arizona.

Murray couldn’t replicate the same connection with Marvin Harrison Jr. That said, Jefferson is a better player in every way and is sure to thrive in this arrangement.

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