Overview
- Justin Jefferson, who spoke Friday on NFL Network, said he wants the quarterback who proves he can lead through camp and be the steady starter the offense has lacked.
- Coach Kevin O’Connell has not named a starter, and the team will stage a true competition featuring Kyler Murray, J.J. McCarthy and Carson Wentz for the Week 1 job.
- Analysts like Bart Scott and Damien Woody view Murray as the favorite based on his talent and fit, while Dan Orlovsky countered by ranking him behind Jared Goff, Jordan Love and Caleb Williams in the NFC North.
- ESPN’s Dan Graziano reported the Vikings have not given up on McCarthy and are unlikely to trade him now, noting the team has already paid most of his rookie deal and wants a full evaluation with Murray’s spot not guaranteed due to past injuries.
- Following Thursday’s schedule release, the winner will face an NFC North gauntlet plus the AFC East and NFC South, with a showcase against the 49ers in Mexico City that spotlights why Murray’s mobility in Kevin O’Connell’s vertical scheme could matter with Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison working scramble drills.