Updated

Updated · NBC Sports · Jun 9

Kyler Murray Says Split Reps Slow Learning of New Vikings Offense After 7 Years in Arizona

Updated

Updated · NBC Sports · Jun 9

Kyler Murray Says Split Reps Slow Learning of New Vikings Offense After 7 Years in Arizona

Q: Is Kyler Murray the Vikings' future QB or just an elaborate, low-cost test for J.J. McCarthy?

Kyler Murray looks like more than a cheap audition prop for J.J. McCarthy, but not yet a locked-in long-term answer. The clearest signal is how Minnesota has handled him. The Vikings signed Murray because McCarthy’s 2025 season did not settle the position, and they have given Murray a real chance to win the job. Kevin O’Connell has described the battle as genuine, and Murray is widely viewed as the early favorite for Week 1. General manager Nolan Teasley has gone further, praising Murray’s talent and suggesting the staff believes there is still untapped upside in him under this system. At the same time, the structure of the move leaves room for caution. Murray is on a one-year, low-cost deal, with his previous team covering most of the money. That makes the signing financially efficient and gives Minnesota flexibility if McCarthy develops or if Murray does not fully adapt. Murray’s own comments about split reps slowing his learning reinforce that this is still a live competition, not a franchise handoff. So the Vikings are using Murray in two ways at once. He is a legitimate candidate to become their starter and possibly earn a longer stay if he plays well in 2026. But he is also clearly pressure on McCarthy, whose development remains central after an uneven start to his career. Right now, Murray is best understood as a serious short-term starter with a chance to become more, not merely an elaborate test, but not yet the unquestioned future either.

3 articles · Updated · NBC Sports · Jun 9

Kyler Murray said sharing practice reps with J.J. McCarthy is making it harder to absorb Minnesota’s offense as the Vikings continue their quarterback competition.
Seven years in Arizona left Murray used to full control and more repetitions, and he said learning a new system on the fly while getting fewer snaps is the toughest part.
Every rep now carries extra weight because Minnesota has not named a starter, leaving both quarterbacks dividing work instead of one getting the full preparation load.
That timing matters especially for Murray, who is newer to the scheme and would need more runway than McCarthy if he ultimately wins the job.