Vikings QB JJ McCarthy’s analogy for Kyler Murray situation makes things a little awkward

The Minnesota Vikings fell way short of expectations in 2025, and their dreadful situation at quarterback was the primary reason why. After a disappointing season from JJ McCarthy, both from a production standpoint and a durability standpoint, the Vikings brought in Kyler Murray in free agency.

Now, the story of the offseason surrounding the Vikings is around the quarterback battle. Will Kevin O’Connell keep the faith in McCarthy and give him more reps as the starter, or will he go with Murray to give Minnesota the best chance at competing for a Super Bowl?

OTAs are underway for the Vikings, which means it’s the first time that either Murray or McCarthy have discussed the dynamic in the quarterback room. And from what McCarthy had to say about it, it sounds like things might be a bit weird at the moment, via ESPN’s Kevin Seifert.

“It’s just like two guys in a classroom,” McCarthy said. “He sits on one side, and I sit on the other side, and it’s the coaches’ responsibility to teach us and coach us.”

McCarthy went on to shut down the notion that things were awkward between he and Murray. However, depending on who you ask, what he said wasn’t exactly convincing.

“Awkwardness? It’s just like the same feeling when you’re in high school, and there’s another person on the other side of the room,” he said. “That’s just kind of how it is. I wouldn’t say there’s any awkwardness.”

It’s only natural that there is a bit of tension in the room between McCarthy and Murray. Both are fighting for the same thing and have a lot to prove coming into this season. Murray was exiled from the Cardinals after suffering a foot injury last season, while McCarthy is widely viewed as a bust.

The Vikings will have some big decisions to make when training camp rolls around, and there is a chance that both Murray and McCarthy see the field next season. Regardless, this Vikings roster is expected to get back to the postseason, so the pressure will be on. whoever earns the starting job.

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