Justin Jefferson makes feelings clear on Vikings QB battle amid links to $131m Pro Bowl alternative

The Minnesota Vikings have an intriguing decision to make ahead of the 2026 NFL season.

As of now, they will enter the regular season with a quarterback room of Kyler Murray, J.J. McCarthy and Carson Wentz.

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Murray was brought in by the Vikings following his release from the Arizona Cardinals.

The first overall pick for the Cards in 2019 went to the playoffs once during his Arizona tenure and the team ultimately decided to move on from the former No. 1 overall pick this offseason.

The 2019 Offensive Rookie of the Year is looking to become head coach Kevin O’Connell’s next reclamation project, after Sam Darnold turned his career around in the Twin Cities before winning Super Bowl LX with the Seattle Seahawks and Daniel Jones found success with the Indianapolis Colts after a stint under O’Connell.

Justin Jefferson delivers telling Vikings QB verdict

Many believe the Vikings QB1 battle is a straight head-to-head between Murray and McCarthy, with veteran Wentz No.3 in the depth chart.

Vikings star wide receiver Justin Jefferson left a cryptic message before OTAs, but his latest verdict is much more telling as he sang Murray’s praises.

“He [Murray] understands the game,” Jefferson said on KFAN to Paul Allen.

“He understands the defenses. He understands how to put touch on the ball, just enough to where it gets to where it’s gotta go, without making it difficult for us.

“He understands the game a lot more just because he’s been in the game for years now. He kinda throws the ball before you even get out of that break… he’s a smart guy, and he’s a competitor just like me.” 

The Vikings have maintained that the role will be an open competition between the trio, but it may not be too long until a favorite emerges.

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Vikings ‘foolish’ not to consider Baker Mayfield situation

McCarthy was described as ‘salty’ during Minnesota’s OTAs, which certainly doesn’t help in his case.

It’s been a turbulent start to McCarthy’s NFL career. Minnesota’s first round pick in 2024 missed his entire rookie season through injury.

McCarthy must have known the Vikings couldn’t just hand him the keys again after a 2025 season riddled with injury and poor play.

Of course, there’s a very real scenario where neither Murray, McCarthy or Wentz are up to scratch, and now, a surprising name has potentially entered the fold.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers reporter Rick Stroud recently reported that Baker Mayfield revealed he and the Buccaneers are “nowhere close” on extension.

This update led to Adam Carlson of ‘The Viking Age’ to link Mayfield, who has made $131 million during his NFL career so far, to the Vikings in what would be a stunning move.

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“Baker has provided stability at the quarterback position while attempting to fill the shoes of a legend in Tampa Bay,” Carlson said.

“In Minnesota, Vikings fans would love to have stability after what they saw on the field from the offense last season.

“There is still plenty of time for Baker Mayfield and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to work things out.

“However, if they don’t figure things out, the front office of the Minnesota Vikings would be foolish not to consider bringing him to U.S. Bank Stadium to help the purple and gold be competitive going forward.”

Watch this space.

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