J.J. McCarthy has found himself at the center of heated discussions once again. This time, the quarterback has been berated not just for his past performances but also for the comments he made about the QB1 competition brewing within the Minnesota Vikings.

“It's his fault. Had you played better, Kyler Murray services would not have been needed. So the mere fact that they got Kyler Murray in there tells you everything you need to know, J.J., because don't be mad at the coach; be mad at you,” Shannon Sharpe said.

The former NFL tight end weighed in on McCarthy’s comments against Kyler Murray in the May 29 episode of the show Nightcap. Recently, the 23-year-old spoke with the media for the first time since the Vikings signed Murray.

“Look, the organization made a decision that they feel like is going to improve the depth and the quality of the room,” McCarthy said on May 27. “All I'm thinking about is continuing the upward trajectory that I set for myself last season, that last quarter.” 

McCarthy’s performance in the NFL has been an underwhelming one. The highly sought-after former Michigan Wolverines QB was drafted as the 10th overall pick in 2024, but he has spent more time off the field than on the gridiron. 

In the 2024 season, McCarthy suffered from a torn meniscus and missed out on his debut entirely. The following season was not any better. A sprained ankle, a concussion, and a hairline fracture limited him. 

McCarthy stands at 1,632 passing yards, 11 passing touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. 

The Vikings ended with a 14-3 record in 2024 and a 9-8 record last season. Then on March 12, the franchise announced that they signed Murray, a former Arizona Cardinals QB. 

“Then I would be disappointed if the rain fell. That's out of my control,” McCarthy replied when asked if he was upset with the development.

How the Vikings, with QBs vying for the starting role, move forward now remains unknown. However, Sharpe has predicted the outcome.

What Does Kyler Murray Bring To The Vikings?

While criticizing J.J. McCarthy for his plays and conduct with the latest development, Shannon Sharpe said that Kyler Murray will take on as the starting quarterback this season. 

“Your play brought this on… and guess where you’re going to be? He is going to be on the field; you’re going to be sitting on the bench,” he said on Nightcap.

The Vikings had signed Kyler Murray earlier in March after his former franchise, the Arizona Cardinals, released him. The first overall pick of the 2019 draft, Murray holds a career record of 38-48-1.  He made a playoff appearance in the 2022 NFC Wildcard Game against the Los Angeles Rams, in a 34-11 game.  

Murray’s stance on the QB1 competition and McCarthy is different from the latter’s. 

“It's been great. Obviously, he's a younger guy, so any way I can help him. I've played seven years now, going on eight. Give him any knowledge he needs. Again, we're both competitors, and I know we both want what's best for the team,” he told reporters in a media session after OTAs. 

The Vikings are underway with their OTAs and are looking ahead at a competition among QBs with vastly different outlooks. What are your thoughts on how this will turn out? Tell us in the comments.

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Written by

Akanksha Biradar