J.J. McCarthy opens up on NFL future as he loses Vikings starter job…
J.J. McCarthy believes he’s still going to be beneficial as a beginning quarterback.
Just not proper now for the Vikings.
McCarthy formally misplaced the quarterback competitors in Minnesota on Tuesday when head coach Kevin O’Connell named newcomer Kyler Murray the starter.
Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy passes during the NFL soccer team’s training camp on Aug. 7, 2026, in Eagan, Minn. AP Photo/Abbie Parr
On Wednesday, McCarthy was requested if he may still be a QB1 in the NFL, which he believes is a job he can fulfill.
“Yes, I believe so,” McCarthy told reporters. “And I’m always gonna have that confidence in myself, no matter what. But at this time it’s doing whatever I can for the team, and, you know, being ready when my number’s called. And that’s all that matters, that’s all I can control.”
McCarthy, who missed 2024 after present process knee surgical procedure, had an up-and-down first full 12 months in 2025. The first-round draft decide out of Michigan did go 6-4 as a starter with 1,632 passing yards, however had 11 touchdowns against 12 interceptions. He ranked twenty fifth out of 33 quarterbacks with 6.7 yards per passing try as he largely struggled with downfield passing.
Pro Football Focus graded him at thirty third out of 43 quarterbacks in passing last season.
Minnesota added Murray, a two-time Pro Bowler who has battled accidents, this offseason on a one-year deal after he was launched by the Cardinals.
Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy talks to reporters during the team’s training camp on July 29, 2026, in Eagan, Minn. AP Photo/Abbie Parr
McCarthy added Wednesday he want to be the one calling the pictures under heart for the Vikings come Week 1, however understands O’Connell’s selection.
“Obviously, every competitor wants to play,” McCarthy said. “But moving forward, it’s just about continuing to work hard and just staying ready for when my number’s called.”
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