Will Kyler Murray or J.J. McCarthy win the Minnesota Vikings’ quarterback competition to start in 2026? That’s one of the most-asked questions in the NFL right now, and both players have a lot to offer, which is what makes this particular competition so interesting.
While Murray brings experience, McCarthy is on a longer contract and was once considered the future of the franchise. In a perfect world, he would eventually fulfill what was once his destiny with the franchise.
Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report believes Murray will be benched during the 2026 season. In a feature posted on Thursday, Knox named Murray as one of the players he predicts will sit on the sidelines this season.
Kyler Murray gets warning ahead of 2026 Vikings season
“It’s easy to think that Murray will be better under Kevin O’Connell and with weapons like Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison at his disposal,” Knox said. “If he isn’t, though, Minnesota may eventually give McCarthy another chance to redeem himself.”
McCarthy, after all, is only two years into his rookie contract, while Murray is only signed through this season,” Knox said.
While there’s a lot of excitement about Murray coming to the Vikings, especially given McCarthy’s history with the team, which has been so inconsistent and riddled with injuries, it’s not a sure bet that Murray will deliver. There’s a reason the Cardinals were willing to let him walk. So, even though Murray is talented, there’s certainly the chance that it won’t be enough and that the Vikings will give McCarthy one more shot.