Jan 4, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) talks with a referee earlier than the sport in opposition to the Inexperienced Bay Packers at U.S. Financial institution Stadium. Obligatory Credit score: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Photos
Judging by the media protection of Vikings OTAs and minicamp, it seems the alleged quarterback competitors—if it really exists—between Kyler Murray and J.J. McCarthy is the one factor of curiosity at present going down on the Vikings facility.
We hear a couple of tidbits in regards to the offensive tackles—Christian Darrisaw is feeling nice after coping with his ACL restoration final season and Brian O’Neill is again at follow as he awaits a contract extension.
The Murray and McCarthy focus means not a lot is being reported in regards to the progress of the rookie class. Is first-rounder Caleb Banks on monitor to be a full participant in coaching camp? Is second-rounder Jake Golday taking reps at edge rusher in addition to inside ‘backer after the trade of Jonathan Greenard? What about big DT Domonique Orange and his fellow third-rounder safety Jakobe Thomas? I’d additionally like to listen to extra about late-round speedsters Charles Demmings at nook and Demond Claiborne at working again.
Oct 25, 2025; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Baylor Bears tight finish Michael Trigg (1) is unable to carry on to a catch as he’s tackled by Cincinnati Bearcats linebacker Jake Golday (11) and defensive again Tre Gola-Callard (6) within the second half at Nippert Stadium. Obligatory Credit score: Aaron Doster-Imagn Photos
Certain, there will likely be loads of time in coaching camp to watch and digest the progress of the rookie class and different newcomers akin to WR Jauan Jennings, nook James Pierre, and punter Johnny Hekker together with the progress of middle Blake Brandel and monitoring the potential return of Harrison Smith.
However when there’s a brand new quarterback on the town who was the primary general choose in 2019 (Murray) and a former first-round QB coming off an up-and-down first season because the starter (McCarthy), then it’s inevitable that the QBs will dominate the chatter within the media and among the many fan base.
The Vikings’ Murray and McCarthy Battle
What can assist considerably to quiet the QB dialog is that if Murray and McCarthy turn into extra vanilla and fewer forthcoming of their public feedback. That’s not what the media is on the lookout for since there’s nothing higher to stir issues up than a quarterback controversy.
McCarthy launched the swirling quotes when he stated “it’s like two guys in a classroom. He sits on one side and I sit on the other side, and it’s the coaches’ responsibility to coach us and teach us.” I didn’t suppose that assertion was any massive deal however some media people ran with it. Since that assertion, McCarthy has been saying he’s centered on what he can management, which is the very best method. I say let’s reduce younger J.J. some slack and never be overly analytical of each reply to a media query. He didn’t say he dislikes Murray or he’s ticked off that he has to compete for a beginning job that seems to already be handed to the extra veteran participant in Murray.
Jan 7, 2024; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) huddles with the offense within the first half in opposition to the Seattle Seahawks at State Farm Stadium. Obligatory Credit score: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports activities
Murray has taken the primary reps in group drills currently however he and McCarthy have mainly been splitting reps. For Murray’s half within the early drama, he appeared like he was making excuses for throwing a pair picks in Tuesday’s minicamp follow when he stated, “me already being behind, not getting the amount of reps you would typically want a guy to get learning an offense, that’s probably the toughest part.” Then he added, “I’m not really too worried about the competition side of things, honestly.”
It’s good for Murray that he’s so assured he’ll win the job—regardless of his resume that doesn’t embody any playoff wins–plus he’s already making $38 million this 12 months (all however $1.3 million from the Cardinals who gave up on him). So splitting reps with final 12 months’s starter shouldn’t be a shock to Murray. However does he actually anticipate us to consider that he’s not apprehensive about competing for the beginning job when he’s on a one-year contract and is on the lookout for an enormous season to arrange his subsequent massive payday as a 2027 free agent who can’t be hit with the franchise or transition tag?
Murray ought to simply be saying he’s centered on studying the offense and getting in sync together with his teammates and keep away from saying something remotely controversial about reps or his relationship with McCarthy.
Dec 14, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) runs for a landing in the course of the first half in opposition to the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Obligatory Credit score: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Photos.
Kevin O’Connell is attempting to decrease the temperature by saying he encourages open dialogue amongst his QBs and he doesn’t fear in regards to the media characterizations of the connection between Murray and McCarthy. O’Connell says it’s a “skilled“ interplay. However I consider behind the scenes, O’Connell is telling all his QBs to keep away from speaking about private relationships or numbers of reps and simply say they’re all working onerous together with their teammates.
So at the same time as I’m already bored with this quarterback chatter, I simply spent this week’s column additional dissecting it. I’ll attempt to chorus from a weekly have a look at the Vikings QBs, at the least till the pads go on in coaching camp and we get nearer to O’Connell’s pronouncement of the Week 1 starter which ought to are available mid-August across the time the Ravens come to city for 2 days of joint follow.
Across the NFL Observations
1. Caleb Williams: I used to be mildly shocked to listen to Williams is on the quilt of this 12 months’s Madden NFL recreation. Not that it’s such an enormous deal however it’s thought-about by many to be an honor to be chosen for the Madden cowl. Latest selectees embody Saquon Barkley, Christian McCaffrey, Josh Allen, John Madden himself, Tom Brady, and Lamar Jackson.
After a shaky rookie season, Williams made strides in his second season of 2025 as he quarterbacked the Bears to the NFC North title with a number of late comebacks to his credit score (together with the vital Week 11 win over the Vikings). He led the Bears to a playoff victory over the Packers however then threw three interceptions within the divisional spherical loss to the Rams. His 90.1 passer score ranked twenty second and he has not but been chosen to a Professional Bowl or All-Professional group.
I’d say Matthew Stafford, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, or Myles Garrett would’ve been extra worthy decisions primarily based on their excellent seasons. As a former Vikings coach as soon as stated, it’s not but time to “crown” Caleb Williams with even one thing such because the Madden NFL cowl. And with the Bears having the league’s hardest schedule as a first-place group in comparison with final 12 months’s fourth-place schedule and shedding their Professional Bowl middle Drew Dalman to retirement and main huge receiver DJ Moore in a commerce, I anticipate it to be a troublesome season for Williams and the Bears.
Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) spoke briefly with Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell close to midfield after their matchup wrapped on Dec 16, 2024, at U.S. Financial institution Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The postgame change provided a relaxed second between opponents after a bodily divisional assembly, reflecting mutual respect as gamers and coaches filtered towards their locker rooms. Obligatory Credit score: Brad Rempel-Imagn Photos.
2. Aaron Donald: will he and may he return to the Rams this season? After the Rams traded for Garrett, the rumblings have been that Donald, the three-time Defensive Participant of the Yr, is considering a comeback and certain to take action after being retired the previous two seasons. The Rams have the wage cap room to make it work so long as Donald is prepared to take loads lower than the $30 million per 12 months he made on his final deal.
Donald has reportedly stayed in form but it surely’s loads totally different to be in soccer form and it’s questionable how efficient he could be after such an extended absence. However the Rams are extremely motivated to be a Tremendous Bowl group this season when the massive recreation will likely be performed of their residence stadium they usually’re not afraid to make massive strikes so I feel it’s possible they’ll make this splashy signing and convey Donald again.
Jeff Diamond is a former Vikings GM, former Tennessee Titans President and was chosen NFL Govt of the Yr … Extra about Jeff Diamond
