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Many are assuming that Kyler Murray will emerge as the winner of the Minnesota Vikings’ QB competition to determine the starter. It was a rollercoaster Year 2 for J.J. McCarthy, and if he wants to be the starting QB for the 2026 NFL season, he’ll have to earn it.

While Murray is the favorite, given his production in the NFL and his status as a former No. 1 pick, ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter isn’t ruling out McCarthy from potentially winning the job.

“I’m not ready to write off J.J. yet,” Schefter said on a May 8 appearance on the “Pat McAfee Show.” “… “There’s a boatload of talent in Minnesota, and that doesn’t even include a head coach who is obviously adept and proficient at getting these offensive plays in and having the offensive production that Kevin O’Connell has. I don’t know how you handicap it.

“I think a lot of people believe that Kyler is going to wind up as the starting quarterback, but I think J.J. McCarthy is going to give him a run still. I don’t think the Vikings are ready or willing to give up on J.J. McCarthy just yet.

“I think they’ve got two good quarterbacks there. These are two high draft picks, so it will play out, but I think a lot of people believe Kyler is going to prevail and win the job. But again, I’m not ready to give up on J.J. just yet.”

Pat McAfee on Vikings QB Situation

Last season, the Vikings QB recorded a 61.8 overall PFF grade. Moreover, across 291 dropbacks, McCarthy threw for 1,632 yards and 11 touchdowns against 12 interceptions, including 19 big-time throws and 15 turnover-worthy plays.

McCarthy also made plays with his legs during the previous campaign for Minnesota, registering 156 scramble yards and four rushing touchdowns.

Because of the flashes the Vikings quarterback showed, Schefter might not be ready to give up on McCarthy. Meanwhile, McAfee shared his thoughts on Minnesota’s offense as he’s excited to see how the group looks this upcoming season.

“I’m excited to watch it all unfold. Obviously, Kevin O’Connell’s offense is one that is spectacular. They’re able to sign another wide receiver who had other options in Jauan Jennings without telling him who the starting quarterback is going to be. That’s how prolific that offense can be and should be.

“Hopefully, J.J. can continue to get better, and if Kyler ends up the quarterback of a Kevin O’Connell offense, as a die-hard Vikings fan for his entire life and has a full resurgence of being the guy that maybe we thought or hoped he could be, that’s a great story, too.”

Brian O’Neill Gives True Thoughts on J.J. McCarthy

Like Schefter, the Vikings offense isn’t ready to give up on McCarthy after 10 games played in the NFL. On the May 7 edition of “Green Light with Chris Long,” Vikings’ Brian O’Neill shared that the team backed McCarthy even when the player and the team were struggling during the 2025 campaign.

“We were 4-8 at one point last year,” O’Neill said. “We rattled off five straight. Guys believe in [McCarthy], and guys wanted us to figure it out and be better as an offense. There were times our defense was rolling last year, and we relied on them heavily.

“The whole locker room was super tight through the entire process of growing, getting better, and going through growing pains. So, we love him. We’re always at his house, and I love that kid.”