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Kyler Murray and J.J. McCarthy walked into Minnesota’s offseason with very different paths behind them. Murray arrived after years as an NFL starter. McCarthy entered his second season still trying to establish himself as the Vikings’ future.
Both now have a chance to win the same job. As that competition unfolds, Hall of Fame receiver Cris Carter believes another quarterback’s story still deserves a place in the conversation.
Cris Carter believes Sam Darnold’s success should shape Minnesota’s next decision
Carter shared his thoughts during the Fully Loaded Podcast, where he argued that Minnesota should not overlook what happened after Sam Darnold left the organization.
“Minnesota hasn’t forgotten,” Carter said. “They have not forgotten Sam Darnold won the Super Bowl last year.”
His point reached beyond Darnold’s championship. Carter believes the Vikings could soon face another major contract decision if Murray performs the way the organization hopes.
He also compared the situations both quarterbacks brought to Minnesota. Darnold arrived in 2024 looking to rebuild his career after spending the previous season with the San Francisco 49ers. Murray enters with a much longer résumé, including seven seasons as Arizona’s starting quarterback, more than 20,000 passing yards and 121 touchdown passes.
For Carter, that experience makes the coming decision even more important. If Murray succeeds, Minnesota will again have to decide whether to commit to a veteran quarterback or move in another direction.
Minnesota’s QB competition could lead to another franchise decision
The Vikings created this battle after last season’s struggles at quarterback. J.J. McCarthy, Carson Wentz and Max Brosmer combined to guide the team to only nine wins, leading Minnesota to add Murray this offseason while keeping McCarthy in the competition.
That approach differs from the one the team took with Darnold. Minnesota gave him an opportunity after he left San Francisco, and he responded with a 14-win season and a playoff appearance. The Vikings then chose not to keep him, and Darnold signed a three-year, $100.5 million contract with the Seattle Seahawks before going on to win the Super Bowl.
This year’s competition gives Minnesota another chance to define its future at quarterback. McCarthy represents the organization’s long-term investment, while Murray offers proven experience that few available quarterbacks can match.
The starting job will be decided on the field. Carter believes the bigger decision may come afterward. If Murray plays well enough to earn the role, the Vikings will have to decide whether they have finally found their long-term answer or risk watching another successful quarterback continue his career elsewhere.
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