By Jordan Sigler0ShareNewsweek is a Trust Project memberSee more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.The Minnesota Vikings are holding what can't be called a friendly quarterback battle this offseason between newcomer Kyler Murray and 2024 first-round pick J.J. McCarthy.
Murray is looking to resurrect his career with the Vikings after things ended poorly with the Arizona Cardinals. McCarthy faced scrutiny after a lackluster season in 2025.
The Vikings are conducting a true battle during OTAs this spring, splitting reps between McCarthy and Murray. Per Kevin Seifert of ESPN, Murray struggled during 7-on-7 drills during Monday's practice. He threw back-to-back interceptions.
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Murray told reporters he's having a hard time learning the new offense in Minnesota while being given limited reps this spring.
"I was (in Arizona) for seven years," Murray said. "I know I had two different offensive systems (there), but at the same time, you're getting all those reps. Now I have these split reps. It's me already being behind, not getting the amount of reps that you would typically want a guy to get learning an offense. That's probably the toughest part."
It's a fair concern for Murray, who is widely expected to be the frontrunner heading into training camp in July. If Minnesota wants to get the best of Murray during the regular season, it would be beneficial for the team to give him more reps with the first team as soon as possible.
With that being said, Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell wants McCarthy and Murray to earn the starting job, so the No. 1 pick in the 2019 draft is going to have to make do with the reps he receives during OTAs.
As for McCarthy, the former Michigan quarterback noted that he doesn't run practice, and is just focusing on making the best of his limited opportunities to get reps this spring.
"Those reps being distributed are something that's outside of my control," McCarthy said, via video posted by the Vikings. "The only thing that I'm focusing on is that next rep, and keep it as simple as that."
Eventually, the Vikings will need to make a decision on the starting quarterback job during training camp. They'll need McCarthy or Murray to get reps with the first team when the pads come on this summer so they can be on the same page with the offense for Week 1.
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