Overview
- ESPN’s Kevin Seifert reports Kevin O’Connell plans split practice reps to stage a real competition between Kyler Murray and J.J. McCarthy this offseason.
- Multiple outlets say Murray is the favorite to win the Week 1 job, though the Vikings do not plan to anoint a starter before on-field evaluations.
- Murray’s pact is a one-year deal reported around $1.3 million, with Arizona still carrying most of his 2026 guarantees, which keeps Minnesota’s risk low.
- Team reporting says the Vikings have not given up on McCarthy despite slow development, and Carson Wentz’s return is viewed internally as veteran insurance.
- Analysts highlight areas Murray must improve for O’Connell’s Justin Jefferson-focused attack, citing recent drops in deep-ball accuracy, lower completed air yards, and late-down field vision, while some national voices cast him as a clear upgrade over McCarthy.