The Minnesota Vikings’ quarterback battle did not even make it to their first preseason game.
The Vikings have named Kyler Murray as their Week 1 quarterback, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Murray beat out JJ McCarthy for the top job.
ESPN sources: the Vikings have named Kyler Murray their starting QB. pic.twitter.com/VBE4azfGoF
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 11, 2026
While the decision does not come as a surprise, it is telling how early the Vikings made the decision. The team has not even played a preseason game yet, but apparently had seen enough in camp to determine that Murray had clearly bested McCarthy.
McCarthy went 6-4 as Minnesota’s starter last year, but his performances were inconsistent at best, and he threw more interceptions (12) than he did touchdowns (11). The Vikings brought in Murray to compete with him in camp, and it evidently was not much of a competition, with Murray seen as a clear favorite throughout camp.
Murray started five games for the Arizona Cardinals last season and threw for six touchdowns and three interceptions. The former No. 1 overall pick is a two-time Pro Bowl selection, but injuries have held him back, and he was never a consistent winner in Arizona. The Vikings are hoping they can change that narrative about him.
