The Kyler Murray era in Minnesota has officially begun.<\/p>\n
The Vikings named Murray as their starting quarterback for the 2026 season, head coach Kevin O'Connell announced Tuesday.<\/p>\n
Murray was in a battle with third-year pro J.J. McCarthy for the QB1 gig.<\/p>\n
After being released by the Arizona Cardinals this off-season, Murray signed with the Vikings on a minimum deal.<\/p>\n
The Vikings brought the veteran in to challenge McCarthy, their 2024 first-round draft pick whose\u00a0injuries\u00a0and inconsistency have raised the question of how long they can afford to wait for him to develop.<\/p>\n
Murray has two Pro Bowl selections, a 67 per cent career completion percentage and has proven to be a dangerous dual threat with 3,193 rushing yards and 32 touchdowns over his first seven seasons in the league with Arizona.<\/p>\n
He was limited to just five starts with the Cardinals last season because of a foot injury he suffered in Week 5.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, McCarthy will head to the backup role after struggling in 2025.<\/p>\n
The Michigan product missed his entire rookie season due to injury in 2024, then started 10 games last season.<\/p>\n
Minnesota went 6-4 in his starts, but McCarthy finished with just a 57.6 per cent completion rate and threw 12 interceptions compared to just 11 touchdowns.<\/p>\n
The Vikings finished the season 9-8 and missed the playoffs.<\/p>\n