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The Minnesota Vikings may not love what they saw from J.J.
McCarthy last season.
They didn't waste time finding a potential veteran replacement, signing Kyler Murray almost immediately after his release from the Arizona Cardinals.
Nevertheless, contrary to speculation, he hasn't won the starting quarterback job yet.
Head coach Kevin O'Connell has him splitting first-team reps with McCarthy, and no one seems to have a clear edge right now.
According to ESPN analyst Bill Barnwell, that situation may not change any time soon.
Talking on "NFL Live," he argued that despite being a veteran, Murray still has to make a crucial adjustment to give the Vikings what they need, as he doesn't have much experience playing under center.
But I feel pretty confident they want to be an under-center offense, Barnwell said.
Theyve been under center 47 percent of the time under Kevin OConnell.
Kyler Murray, in Arizona, hasnt been under center very often, only about 5 percent of the time.
"I don't think Kyler Murray can just drop into the same offense they've run in years past and succeed." NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) July 17, 2026 @billbarnwell on Murray's fit in Minnesota pic.twitter.com/owYOINrDAu Murray is extremely talented, and his ability to roll out of the pocket and extend plays with his legs has always been one of his best traits.
That said, he does have some physical limitations because of his height, and that might also take a toll on his ability to be efficient under center: Thats by design because Kyler isnt the biggest guy.
Hes operated out of the shotgun and the pistol dating back to his time in college.
He can see the field more easily, and its easier to get him involved in the quarterback run game.
Thats whats worked for him, Barnwell explained.
Murray should still be the favorite to be the starter by Week 1, but he still has some catching up to do to prove that he can be what this team needs.
Moreover, even if he beats McCarthy for the job, it feels like the Vikings' quarterback situation will be a talking point all through the season.
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