J.J. McCarthy’s Awkward Kyler Murray Reaction Sparks Trade Speculation Around Vikings QB

Former Vikings first-round pick JJ McCarthy, in his first public comments since the team brought in former first-overall pick Kyler Murray to essentially replace him as starting quarterback, issued what rival front offices deemed a plea for help.

McCarthy, whose confidence was said to be one of his calling cards, seemed uncomfortable and awkward talking about the addition of Murray and gave the aura of someone who would love a change of scenery. It was also clear that he’s going to be behind Murray in the pecking order, and perhaps having trouble getting his head around that.

McCarthy flamed out in esteemed head coach Kevin O’Connell’s offense last year and also had some issues with his maturity and demeanour behind the scenes, according to league sources, which went into an obvious plan to upgrade on him if possible this offseason despite there being a limited market of quarterback talent available.

NFL execs cautioned at the time Murray was signed that they believed the dynamic between Murray, who just lost his job to journeyman Jacoby Brissett in Arizona, and McCarthy would be fraught with peril, with McCarthy accustomed to getting all the real reps and attention from O’Connell. 

McCarthy couldn’t much hide his discomfort with the situation this week.

Not Just What You Say, But How You Say It

“It’s just like two guys in a classroom,” McCarthy said during his media session at one point. 

“He sits on one side; I sit on the other side. And it’s the coach’s responsibility to teach us and coach us.”

How did one general manager interpret the remarks? 

“I think he wants out of there,” the GM said. 

“I think he’s wanted out of there since they signed Murray. Those personalities are not going to be a good fit.”

Minnesota would likely not fetch much for McCarthy under these circumstances, and it might require an injury elsewhere to create more demand. 

If O’Connell couldn’t get much from him and opted to sell low on him, that would resonate around the league. 

But it also stands to reason that obvious friction between a new QB you need to win with now, and one who has to quickly come to grips with watching games and not playing them so soon after being drafted that high, is far from ideal.