Jettas looks forward to QB competition
The Minnesota Vikings signed Kyler Murray in free agency to compete with 2024 first-round pick J.J. McCarthy ahead of the 2026 NFL season.
Veteran wide receiver Justin Jefferson is among those excited to see how the competition between the two unfolds.
Jefferson was asked during a May 15 appearance on "Good Morning Football" what he wanted to see from Minnesota's quarterback battle in the lead-up to the 2026 NFL season.
"Just competition, for real," Jefferson said. "Just to see, who's gonna be that last man standing? Who's gonna be that dog? Who's gonna be that leader to carry us throughout the season? Because that is definitely a missing piece that we're looking for and something that is very important to our team, which is the quarterback spot.
"So just seeing that competition, battle – seeing those guys come in every day leading the team and trying to spark, especially the offense, it's definitely something I'm looking forward to. And just going out there and connecting with any quarterback that's throwing the ball, that's the main important thing this training camp."
Jefferson had trouble consistently connecting with the Vikings' quarterbacks – a group that was led by McCarthy – in 2025. He totaled a respectable 84 catches for 1,048 yards, but his 61.6 yards per game and two touchdowns were far and away the lowest marks of his career.
That's why Jefferson – who thrived working with Kirk Cousins and Sam Darnold across the first five seasons of his career – is hoping either McCarthy or Murray can emerge as a franchise quarterback for the team.
"That's definitely something that is… I want that, for sure," Jefferson said, referencing a franchise quarterback. "It's definitely difficult for those types of things to happen. But just like me being with Kirk for those first four years of my career, just building on that connection, building on that relationship, that's something that is unbroken, that's something you just don't find just anywhere.
"It definitely will be great to have a quarterback, the same quarterback for these next couple years going down the line, but you already know that's something difficult to do in this league. But for sure, to keep knowing that quarterback for these next couple years and build that relationship and create that spark, that's definitely the plan."
Murray only signed with the Vikings to a one-year, veteran minimum contract. If he emerges as the top option for Minnesota, the team will likely need to sign him to a lucrative, long-term extension.
Meanwhile, McCarthy is in the third season of his four-year rookie contract, so he will be cost-controlled through the 2027 campaign. The Vikings will also have to decide whether to accept the Michigan product's fifth-year option after the 2026 season.
USA Today
Hurry-up Vikings, we ain't getting any younger!
purplefaithful wrote:
"Just to see, who's gonna be that last man standing? Who's gonna be that dog? Who's gonna be that leader to carry us throughout the season? Because that is definitely a missing piece that we're looking for and something that is very important to our team, which is the quarterback spot."
You can always read more into these quotes than is there, but interesting choice of words to say a leader is a missing piece.
Just a friendly reminder that Justin Jefferson is still the best WR in football Don’t let a year of terrible QB play make you forget how good this man really is
— Bryce DeGroat @NFL_Convo May 17, 2026
Just a friendly reminder that Justin Jefferson is still the best WR in football Don’t let a year of terrible QB play make you forget how good this man really is
“Hell is empty and all the devils are here”
Shakespeare
JR44 wrote:
You can always read more into these quotes than is there, but interesting choice of words to say a leader is a missing piece.
I wouldn't read too much into that. Vikings had a Super Bowl roster last year with Larry, Moe and Curly under center. To say there was a "missing piece" is being kind.
"The further a society drifts from the truth, the more it will hate those who speak it”
I think he was being transparent and sounded invested & optimistic...
I'm relieved about that tbh.
He is still the best player in the locker room.
Hurry-up Vikings, we ain't getting any younger!
"I don't think [Kyler Murray] has any excuses with this Minnesota team... He never looks like he's motivated"
— Up & Adams (@UpAndAdamsShow) May 18, 2026
HOF QB Warren Moon on his expectations for the Vikings QB 👀@WMoon1 | @heykayadams pic.twitter.com/12btt5K3WQ
StickierBuns wrote:
Moon isn't necessarily wrong I dont think. But I also havent watched any Cardinal games the last 3+ years.
It's up to McCarthy and Murray to bring their best going forward.
Man, this team never is lacking in drama at QB.
Hurry-up Vikings, we ain't getting any younger!
purplefaithful wrote:
Moon isn't necessarily wrong I dont think. But I also havent watched any Cardinal games the last 3+ years.
It's up to McCarthy and Murray to bring their best going forward.
Man, this team never is lacking in drama at QB.
On the other hand....
Ohh @BuckyBrooks seems to agree as well 👀
— The Purple Persuasion (@TPPSkol) May 18, 2026
You better buy that Kyler Murray stock right now 📈
"Look, I'm all in on Kyler Murray... he's the most talented QB that they've seen in that building and particular under Kevin O'Connell." https://t.co/VtRyXKNngl pic.twitter.com/X72wGzSPIX
Looks like the Vikings will be doing some joint practices against the Ravens for a few days before their preseason game in August.
StickierBuns wrote:
Looks like the Vikings will be doing some joint practices against the Ravens for a few days before their preseason game in August.
We'll see - and I respect the hell out of Bucky Brooks.
THIS (and practice) is where they'll find QB1
Thats a rough and tumble team to scrimmage against.
Hurry-up Vikings, we ain't getting any younger!
StickierBuns wrote:
On the other hand....
https://x.com/TPPSkol/status/2056453476016656673
Kyler is very talented. His legs are a big part of his game, but how much does he have left in those legs and how long will he be able to stay on the field? Like I've said, Kyler throws hospital balls all over the field and floaters downfield. He's the opposite of McCarthy's throws...combine the two players arms and you have a perfect ball.
Bucky isn't wrong in a lot of what he said, but I don't see Kyler as the most talented...it's almost like he was saying most athletic, because he then goes on to say he can scramble. You cannot compare Kirk and Sam to Kyler in that facet of the game. Both Kirk and Sam were two of the more accurate downfield passers the Vikings have seen outside of Sam Bradford.
Side note...Gosh I cannot stand Coller...ugh.
StickierBuns wrote:
I agree with Kay and Warren in that "Kyler is the most frustrating QB in the league". I've followed him since Oklahoma days. You think the Vikings fans have whined about our QBs in the past...get ready...there are times he literally just throws the ball up because he is either lost, going to get sacked, or just doesn't seem to care. His only silver lining to that is that we have one of the best trio of WRs in the game and the BEST WR in the game. As PF said, "we'll see".
“Hell is empty and all the devils are here”
Shakespeare
IceRatz16 wrote:
Kyler is very talented. His legs are a big part of his game, but how much does he have left in those legs and how long will he be able to stay on the field? Like I've said, Kyler throws hospital balls all over the field and floaters downfield. He's the opposite of McCarthy's throws...combine the two players arms and you have a perfect ball.
Bucky isn't wrong in a lot of what he said, but I don't see Kyler as the most talented...it's almost like he was saying most athletic, because he then goes on to say he can scramble. You cannot compare Kirk and Sam to Kyler in that facet of the game. Both Kirk and Sam were two of the more accurate downfield passers the Vikings have seen outside of Sam Bradford.
Side note...Gosh I cannot stand Coller...ugh.
How much does he have left in those legs? At 28? He's younger than Josh Allen. Also, his INT percentage is pretty good for someone who throws floaters all over the field. FWIW, Murray has a higher career completion percentage than Kirk and the Sams.
"The further a society drifts from the truth, the more it will hate those who speak it”
MaroonBells wrote:
How much does he have left in those legs? At 28? He's younger than Josh Allen. Also, his INT percentage is pretty good for someone who throws floaters all over the field. FWIW, Murray has a higher career completion percentage than Kirk and the Sams.
Those who haven't seen him play much will be surprised by how fast he is. His legs are fine.
Plenty of negative baggage with K1....Will he turn it around here?
Will it be a 1 year wonder or something sustainable?
Hurry-up Vikings, we ain't getting any younger!
hogjowlsjohnny wrote:
Those who haven't seen him play much will be surprised by how fast he is. His legs are fine.
I don’t think people are really concerned about how his legs will be this year, but rather how many more years he has before he’ll need to transition to a more traditional, less mobile, skill set and will he be able to make that transition.
MaroonBells wrote:
How much does he have left in those legs? At 28? He's younger than Josh Allen. Also, his INT percentage is pretty good for someone who throws floaters all over the field. FWIW, Murray has a higher career completion percentage than Kirk and the Sams.
I’m not questioning Kyler’s age. I’m questioning durability and how much wear those legs have already taken.
Since 2015, most of his injuries have involved his lower body like hamstrings, ankle, knee, foot, etc. For a QB whose game is heavily tied to mobility and escapability, that absolutely matters long term.
And regarding the throwing comments, I’m simply giving my opinion from watching him over the years, but also I'll provide backup data to support my viewpoint. A lot of his deep balls hang in the air and feel like opportunities for DBs that somehow don’t always get punished.
From 2022–2025, Kyler’s deep-ball numbers reportedly fell near the bottom of the league among qualifying QBs in both accuracy and completion percentage on throws of 20+ yards. Kyler Murray ranks poorly in deep passing, being #39 in accuracy and #38 in completion rate among 42 qualifying quarterbacks for passes over 20 yards. His struggles continued with a completion rate of just 21% on 25+ yard passes, ranking him last among qualifying quarterbacks. Darnold was actually 1st overall for QBs last season in Seattle with 73.3% completion downfield of 20+ yards and 3rd overall in MN the year prior with 56.5% of completion rate of 20+ yards. See expanded details below, with a like to a nice chart showing Murray far lower than both Cousins and Darnold in what I'm referring to throwing downfield.
Meanwhile, Kirk Cousins has consistently been one of the better downfield passers in the league. In 2025, Cousins completed over 61% of his throws traveling 20+ yards downfield, ranking near the top of the NFL in that category.
Kyler’s overall completion percentage is good, no argument there. But completion percentage alone doesn’t automatically equal elite downfield accuracy or ball placement, which is something in KO's offense that will be necessary. A lot of that is influenced by depth of target, scheme, and reliance on shorter throws. Even Kyler supporters have pointed out his lower average depth of target compared to QBs in KOC’s system.
This link will highlight the stats I was referring to, but it also supports my comments about Kyler's legs:
https://www.sharpfootballanalysis.com/analysis/kyler-murray-deep-ball-stats-trade-analysis-2026/
On passes 20+ yards downfield, out of 42 qualifying QBs, Murray ranked #39 in accuracy and #38 in completion rate.
Let’s examine Murray’s NFL rank over the last four years by depth.
On 25+ yard passes, Murray ranks:
#36 of 36 in completion rate (21%)
#36 of 36 in EPA/attempt (-0.18)
#36 of 36 in Y/A (7.5)
How about 20+ yards downfield?
Murray ranks:
#40 of 46 in completion rate (30%)
#45 of 46 in EPA/attempt (-0.16)
#42 of 46 in Y/A (8.7)
How about 15+ yards downfield?
Murray ranks:
#42 of 51 in completion rate (38%)
#51 of 51 in EPA/attempt (+0.05)
#47 of 51 in Y/A (9.3)
The only stats that matter now are how he performs here with this surround going forward...He's usually not had this level of coaching, this good of a D or this quality/depth of WR's.
Like I said before, we'll see...It's a pretty talented locker room and I hope he or JJM can take the reigns and run with this thing.
Hurry-up Vikings, we ain't getting any younger!
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