Kyler Murray, JJ McCarthy give contrasting answers on Vikings QB room

They were asked the same question, but new Minnesota Vikings quarterback teammates Kyler Murray and JJ McCarthy had two completely different answers.

McCarthy’s first full season with the Vikings — the 2025 first-round pick missed his entire rookie year with a knee injury — was a rollercoaster ride despite a 6-4 record. He threw for 1,632 yards with 11 touchdowns and 12 interceptions and a 57.6% completion rate across his 10 games under center.

As a result, the Vikings made the move to add a veteran presence this offseason, signing Murray, the Arizona Cardinals’ former No. 1 overall pick, who was released after his own up-and-down career in the desert.

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However, Murray’s arrival points to one thing: who will be the starting quarterback for head coach Kevin O’Connell in Week 1? Many point to Murray, who is entering his eighth NFL season, over McCarthy, who could need some more development before taking over as the starter again.

During an offseason workout this week, Murray and McCarthy were both asked about their relationship, with the former giving the veteran response you’d expect for a player on a new team.

“It’s been great,” Murray said of working with McCarthy. “Obviously, I know he’s a younger guy, so I can help him in any way I can. I’ve played seven years now, going on eight. So I’m considered a veteran, even though I don’t see myself as one. Give him the knowledge he needs. Again, we’re both competitors and I know we both want what’s best for the team.”

Murray was also asked how McCarthy can take criticism or coaching from a veteran like himself.

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“Of course. He’s way too accepting. He’s always communicating, asking questions. That kind of thing. So it’s been good,” he said.

Everything was looking good in the land of the Vikings until McCarthy gave a rather interesting answer to a similar line of questioning when he was available.

“It’s like two guys in a classroom,” he said of working with Murray. “He sits on one side, I sit on the other side, and it’s the coach’s responsibility to teach us and train us.”

Of course, reporters followed up with the Michigan product, with one asking if there was any awkwardness between them.

Kyler Murray of the Minnesota Vikings takes part in a drill during an OTA practice at the Twin Cities Orthopedic Performance Center in Eagan, Minn., on May 27, 2026. (David Berding/Getty Images)

“Awkwardness? It’s like the same feeling when you’re in high school and there’s another person across the room. It’s just the way it is, so I wouldn’t say there’s any awkwardness,” McCarthy responded.

Now, there’s no doubt these two will go head-to-head for the same job this summer in training camp. But, as Murray said, the idea should be to do what’s best for the team.

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It may be too early to look into McCarthy’s odd response, but at the same time, thoughts of a contentious quarterback room in Minnesota will no doubt creep into the minds of football fans ahead of an interesting preseason for the Vikings.

The Vikings were unable to reach the playoffs last season, finishing 9-8 in O’Connell’s fourth year as head coach. This came after a year in which they went 14-3 with Sam Darnold under center while McCarthy rehabbed from injury.

Kyler Murray of the Minnesota Vikings takes part in a drill during an OTA practice at the Twin Cities Orthopedic Performance Center in Eagan, Minn., on May 27, 2026. (David Berding/Getty Images)

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Darnold was not re-signed by the Vikings as Carson Wentz instead provided McCarthy’s backup when rosters were formed in the 2025 offseason.

Instead, Darnold signed with the Seattle Seahawks and ultimately helped lead them to a Super Bowl LX win over the New England Patriots back in February.