Kyler Murray, J.J. McCarthy Had Very Different Answers On Their Relationship

Minnesota Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell may have some chemistry issues to sort out in his quarterback room this offseason.

The Vikings didn't receive great quarterback play from J.J. McCarthy last season, that's for sure. The Michigan product completed 57.6% of his passes for 1,632 yards with 11 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. In an effort to bolster their offense, the Vikings signed Kyler Murray to a one-year deal this offseason.

Murray was asked about his dynamic with McCarthy while at OTAs this week. The former No. 1 pick gave a very mature response.

"Obviously I know he's a younger guy, so any way I can help him, obviously I'll give him any knowledge that he needs," Murray told reporters. "We're both competitors, and I know we both want what's best for the team."

McCarthy had a much different response when asked about his relationship with Murray.

"It's just like two guys in a classroom," McCarthy said. "He sits on one side, I sit on the other side, and it's the coach's responsibility to teach us and coach us."

When asked if there's any awkwardness in the quarterback room, McCarthy had yet another bizarre response.

"Awkwardness? It's just like the same feeling when you're in high school and there's another person on the other side of the room," McCarthy continued. "That's just kind of how it is. I wouldn't say there's any awkwardness."

NFL fans aren't thrilled with McCarthy's answer.

The Vikings have a few months to figure out who'll be their Week 1 starter, albeit most fans expect it to be Murray.

"You can't stink and also behave like this toward your teammate," one person said. "McCarthy won't last much longer in the NFL."

"I'm calling it now this guy will get released and sign as a backup with the Chargers where Harbaugh is," a second person wrote.

"JJ know that bench calling his name and he a lil sour bout it," another fan commented.

"Yeah. Kyler Murray is QB1 on week 1. I don't see it any other way," another fan declared. "McCarthy has a lot of learning to do, pay your dues young fella."

The Vikings will begin their regular season on Sept. 13 against the Green Bay Packers.

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This story was originally published May 28, 2026 at 6:27 AM.