The Minnesota Vikings have an interesting quarterback competition in training camp ahead. At least four Vikings could vie for as high as a second-string designation for the 2026 roster.
New signees Kyler Murray, Cooper Rush and Aidan Bouman join incumbent quarterbacks J.J. McCarthy, Carson Wentz and Max Brosmer in the Vikings' quarterback room leading up to training camp. It is among the more talked about position rooms in the entire NFL in the offseason.
Vikings linebacker Ben Leber was asked by KFAN how he sees the quarterback competition going. Here was what Leber remarked on his preferences for the position.
“I don’t think you can really go wrong either way; I think there’s going to be some shock and awe from people who can’t believe it [if McCarthy wins the job]. I’m sure some will think there’s politics behind it, but I honestly believe it’s all business.
I don’t think they’re trying to placate anyone or make a political decision. I think they simply want to create as much competition as possible at every position, and quarterback is no exception. May the best man win.
There’s too much riding on the season; there’s too much talent on this team. This is not a rebuilding year where you say, ‘Oh, we’re just going to get cute, win a few games and be competitive.‘ There’s no reason why we can’t compete to win this division. None at all… This is not just a wasted year. This is a year where, ‘Let’s go for it.'”
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Carson Wentz (11) drops back to pass against the Los Angeles Chargers during the second half at SoFi Stadium. Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn ImagesSome would argue, rightfully so, that the addition of Murray should be the beginning and end of a quarterback battle. Murray is a franchise quarterback and a far more proven and productive player than J.J. McCarthy to this point. If it is truly a competition, one could reasonably conclude fellow former Top 10 draft pick Carson Wentz will be involved.
In addition to the above trio, Cooper Rush has started a handful of games at the NFL level with pleasantly surprising success. And while some are still not counting McCarthy out of the starting quarterback race, there may be more distance between Murray and McCarthy than there is between McCarthy and Rush.
The Vikings, at the very least, will have depth at the quarterback position that they did not have in the 2026 season. It could be the reason for Minnesota's playoff return should they make it back this year.