A new rumor suggests that the Minnesota Vikings may be close to signing competition JJ McCarthy for the 2026 NFL season.
After former first-round pick McCarthy disappointed in his second season in Minnesota, reports quickly emerged after the season ended that the organization intended to bring in a veteran QB to serve as potential competition for the 23-year-old in training camp this summer. Well, that player may be signed soon.
In a new report from SNY's Connor Hughes, an NFL insider claims the New York Jets are interested in soon-to-be-released two-time Pro Bowler Kyler Murray. Still, despite being a top target for a QB-needy team, Hughes revealed, "However, the strong belief from multiple sources is that he will sign with the Vikings."
Kyler Murray stats (2025): 2-3 record, 962 passing yards, 6 touchdowns, 3 interceptions, 88.6 rating
The Arizona Cardinals informed Murray this week that they would waive him when the new league year officially begins next week.
When the Cardinals used the first overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft on Murray, there were hopes he could be the franchise quarterback they have been lacking for decades. After his first three seasons, it looked as if he would earn Pro Bowl honors in 2020 and 2021. But in the four seasons that followed, Murray regressed. Partly due to injuries. However, when he was on the field, he was still ineffective.
Still, Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell has developed a reputation as a QB guru, and it makes sense that Murray would want to go to Minnesota in hopes of returning to his Pro Bowl form. If the 28-year-old gets back to being the player he was in 2020 and 2021, the Vikings will be a serious Super Bowl contender next season.
