Jul 31, 2026, 11:00 AM CUT

"I can control": J.J. McCarthy shows clear intent on winning the Vikings QB job

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - JANUARY 04: A general view of the back of Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy 9 before the NFL, American Football Herren, USA game between the Green Bay Packers and Minnesota Vikings on January 4th, 2026, at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, MN. Photo by Bailey Hillesheim/Icon Sportswire NFL: JAN 04 Packers at Vikings EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon20260104095

J. J. McCarthy entered Minnesota Vikings training camp with one clear goal: To earn the starting quarterback job by improving each day. He explained that approach after opening practice, where he competed with veteran Kyler Murray for first-team work.

Anthony Bettin of CBS Minnesota reported on July 30 that both quarterbacks were looking inward instead of watching each other. Head coach Kevin O’Connell kept the race open and gave each player a real chance to lead an offense that needed steady play.

“Lasered in on controlling what I can control. That’s really it,” McCarthy said on Wednesday. “Improving my craft every which way.”

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - JANUARY 04: Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy 9 looks on during the second half of the NFL, American Football Herren, USA game between the Green Bay Packers and Minnesota Vikings on January 4th, 2026, at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, MN. Photo by Bailey Hillesheim/Icon Sportswire NFL: JAN 04 Packers at Vikings EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon20260104037

McCarthy, who was drafted 10th overall in 2024, only completed 57.6% of his passes for 1,632 yards, 11 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions across 10 games in 2025. So, that focus is important when going up against a veteran like Murray.

“I’m not really too focused on the long-term vision of it, I’m really just focused on the process, and that’s day-to-day,” Kyler Murray said as per CBS News. “Trying to put my best foot forward and prove to the coaches and the guys what I’m capable of.”

Murray brought much more NFL experience into the contest. The two-time Pro Bowl quarterback had started 87 games, passed for 20,460 yards, and thrown 121 touchdowns over seven seasons.

However, he had to learn O’Connell’s system while McCarthy leaned on two years of meetings, practices, and playbook work in Minnesota.

Both quarterbacks sounded calm, but the first two camp practices began to show which QB was turning that mindset into cleaner play.

Carson Wentz adds another challenge for McCarthy

The QB Carson Wentz added another layer to McCarthy’s fight for a place in Minnesota’s quarterback room. FOX Sports analyst Danny Parkins said on July 30 that Wentz’s presence could leave McCarthy facing more than one battle for the starting job.

“I will be floored if Kyler Murray is not the Week 1 starter, and I actually think it’s more likely that J.J. McCarthy gets traded than that he’s the Week 1 starter,” Parkins said on a First Things First clip that was shared via X. “They signed Carson Wentz. Carson Wentz is a legitimate backup quarterback in this league.”

McCarthy had taken 310 passing snaps in 2025 and earned a 61.8 overall PFF grade. He recorded 19 big-time throws and 15 turnover-worthy plays while producing more interceptions than touchdowns.

Those results gave Minnesota reason to demand cleaner decisions before handing him the offense.

Former Vikings wide receiver Adam Thielen said Murray holds the lead, but he left the door open for McCarthy to change the race by fixing last season’s problems.

With Murray chasing the top job and Wentz offering veteran cover, McCarthy has to prove he belongs in Minnesota’s plans.

Could McCarthy overcome both Murray and Wentz to prove he deserved Minnesota’s starting quarterback job? Share your thoughts in the comments!

Written by

Shreya Mishra

Edited by

Arundhoti Palit