J.J. McCarthy responds to Vikings uncertainty as Kyler Murray emerges as QB1 favorite

No.9 is locked in.Vikings quarterback J.J.

McCarthy on Tuesday responded to trade rumors during minicamp, after the the team brought in Kyler Murray in the offseason.“This is where I want to be.I feel like I can thrive in this system,” McCarthy told reporters.

“Everything played out exactly how I wanted it.I wouldn’t want anything else to change.”The former Michigan Wolverine previously made headlines for sounding almost scorned after Minnesota landed Murray.McCarthy, at the end of May during Minnesota’s OTAs, said that the dynamic between the quarterbacks had “the same feeling when you’re in high school, and there’s another person on the other side of the room.”On Tuesday, though, McCarthy reiterated his desire to be with the Vikings.

“I love this organization,” McCarthy said.“I love the coaching stuff.

I absolutely love these players to death.This is where I want to be.

I feel like I can thrive in this system.Everything played out exactly how I wanted it.

I wouldn’t want anything else to change.”McCarthy ranked 33rd in passing yards in 2025 with 1,632, also adding 11 touchdowns and 12 interceptions.His QBR was 35.6.This raised concerns from star receiver Justin Jefferson throughout the year and prompted him to say he was happy to “get some talent in the room” when the Vikings picked up Murray on a $1.3 million deal after his Cardinals release.Murray was drafted No.

1 overall by the Cardinals in 2019 and recorded 20,460 yards, 121 touchdowns, and 60 interceptions over his seven years with the team.He also rushed for 3,193 yards and 32 touchdowns.Murray and McCarthy have been splitting reps for the Vikings at practices, though reports from open OTA practice in May had Murray as the clear leader for QB1.McCarthy has maintained a strong mindset through the competition, “only [focusing] on that next rep.” Murray seems a little more irked.“I was [in Arizona] for seven years,” Murray said Tuesday.

“I know I had two diff...