Kyler Murray and J. J. McCarthy are locked in a battle for the Minnesota Vikings’ starting quarterback job. Murray is fresh off a seven-year stint with the Arizona Cardinals, while McCarthy was the Vikings’ starter from the 2025 campaign. McCarthy had a mixed season, amassing a stat line of 1,632 passing yards, 11 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions in 10 games with the Vikings, missing the playoffs
Vikings superstar wide receiver Justin Jefferson has seen both quarterbacks in action during the OTAs. According to KFAN1003, the perennial Pro Bowler has proceeded to drop a bold take on the new quarterback on the block.
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“He understands the game. 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,” said Jefferson.
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“He understands the game a lot more… he kinda throws the ball before you even get out that break… he’s a smart guy, and he’s a competitor.”
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Kyler Murray is a two-time Pro Bowler and was the starting quarterback for the Arizona Cardinals for seven seasons. However, injuries have affected the 2018 Heisman Trophy winner’s professional football career.
Murray played just five games in the 2025 season, and the Cardinals opted to cut their losses at the end of the campaign. Sensing a unique opening, the Minnesota Vikings signed him on a one-year deal. He’s now in a competition with Michigan Wolverines’ product McCarthy for the QB1 spot. Both signal-callers will fancy their chances of throwing to Justin Jefferson in 2026.
Justin Jefferson gearing up for Year 7
Justin Jefferson is one of the best wide receivers of his generation. The LSU Tigers product has earned six consecutive 1,000-yard seasons to start his career, four Pro Bowl nods, two first-team All-Pro selections, two second-team All-Pro nods, the 2022 NFL Offensive Player of the Year and more accolades.
Jefferson has been the focal point of the Vikings’ offense since the team drafted him in the first round of the 2020 draft. He’s been instrumental in the team reaching the postseason twice (2022 and 2024).
However, Jefferson had a 2025 season to forget. The superstar pass catcher missed out on the Pro Bowl for the first time in a season that he played more than 10 games. He amassed a stat line of 84 catches, 1,048 yards and two touchdowns.
Justin Jefferson will look to improve his stats across the board in the upcoming season. It remains to be seen whether he’ll be catching passes from Kyler Murray or J. J. McCarthy. The Vikings are expected to make their decision closer to their regular-season opener against the Green Bay Packers.
Edited by Nick Igbokwe
