Minnesota

Vikings

On one hand, it’s “just” OTAs. On the other hand, this is the second reporter to suggest there’s a noticeable difference between what Murray and McCarthy offer at the position. We’re less than a full week removed from ESPN’s Kevin Seifert saying the gap between the two QBs is “not close,” and now, Ragatz is all but suggesting the same in his most recent article. While there have been reports of McCarthy making strides as a passer this offseason, the bar has been set so low after 2025’s debacle, that any marginal improvements could garner praise for JJMC at this point. We’ll get a better sense of where things really stand between Murray and McCarthy when the pads come on in training camp, but Murray continues to sound like the clearcut QB1 to start the season, despite the Vikings’ best efforts to suggest the winner of this camp battle hasn’t already been determined.

Teasley was considered a finalist for the position, ultimately winning the job over Rob Brzezinski, Reed Burckhardt, and John McKay. Zenitz gets a late start with his new franchise after the team made significant moves this offseason, including signing quarterback Kyler Murray to a one-year, prove-it deal, signing wide receiver Jauan Jennings to upgrade their slot duties, and retooling their defensive line through the draft. It was interim general manager Rob Brzezinski that was charged with those decisions.

It was only the Vikings’ second OTA of the spring and first that was open to the media. Still, while the Vikings gave both quarterbacks an equal opportunity, it doesn’t sound like a real competition, according to Seifert. “Murray made all of the best throws of the practice, demonstrating his downfield touch and accuracy,” he wrote. It was a reminder that McCarthy could continue making incremental improvements and still fall short of being able to match Murray, according to Seifert. A former Pro Bowler who led the Cardinals to the playoffs in 2021, Murray is being drafted outside the top-12 quarterbacks as he looks to bounce back in his first season with the Vikings.

Lewis believes that “in the long haul, the Vikings project a potentially game-breaking role.” Thus far, Claiborne’s new teammates have taken to addressing him by his childhood nickname, “Lightning.” And, Lewis, in an admittedly over-the-top manner, describes Claiborne’s lateral movements as “the closest thing you’ll find to real-life teleportation.” Hyperbole aside, beat reporters do not always take the time to write features on sixth-round rookies. Given Lewis’ short-term stipulations, it sounds as though Claiborne might be given the chance to compete for a role in the passing game this summer. Starting RB Aaron Jones is entering his age-31 season, and RB Jordan Mason, 27, is a one-dimensional rusher. The two veterans are ahead of Claiborne on the depth chart, no doubt, but this is not an elite one-two punch. Keep an eye on Claiborne this summer.

McCarthy “has shown some things this spring that have been impressive so far.” Specifically, McCarthy is “layering the ball a little better” and is “not throwing a fastball all the time.” McCarthy’s accuracy and touch needed work, so this is good to hear. It still sounds like QB Kyler Murray is ahead of McCarthy in the battle for the starting role, but McCarthy is at least getting positive reviews at this time.

Sources tell Fowler that Murray is handling himself “like an alpha quarterback,” possessing “the experience and the swagger of a guy who has been to Pro Bowls and had success.” Recent interview clips involving Murray and fellow Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy reinforce Fowler’s sentiments, with Murray conducting himself with calm confidence. The coaching staff also complimented McCarthy’s development, but Murray seems to be winning the competition right now.

The list of finalists includes Vikings executive vice president of football operations and interim general manager Rob Brzezinski, Broncos assistant general manager Reed Burckhardt, Bills assistant general manager Terrance Gray, Rams assistant general manager John McKay and Seahawks assistant general manager Nolan Teasley. Per The Athletic’s Alec Lewis, it “remains unclear whether or not ownership wants to do more due diligence, most have expected a resolution late May/early June.”

The Court’s decision not to get involved means the case can head to trial. Justices on the Roberts Court “rebuffed an appeal from the league, which wanted the case handled through its arbitration process rather than open court in New York,” according to the Associated Press. Flores in his lawsuit — which includes Steve Wilks and Ray Horton — alleges the NFL is “rife” with racism in its hiring practices. Flores, the Vikings’ defensive coordinator, brought the lawsuit shortly after the Dolphins fired him as head coach in 2022. The NFL said in a statement that it is “fully prepared to defend ourselves as this matter proceeds.” From 2000 through 2024, according to the AP, 31 of 173 new NFL coaches (18%) are Black. In that 24-year stretch, eight of the 19 head coaches (42%) fired after their first full NFL season are Black.

Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell attempted to address McCarthy’s accuracy woes by harping on the young quarterback’s footwork last season. He also tends to fire passes “on a line,” which only exacerbates his ball placement issues. Per Lewis, McCarthy has spent weeks with private throwing coach John Beck to improve both issues. Time will tell if Beck’s teachings have the desired effect. Lastly, Lewis believes that the way “McCarthy shows up to work every day and how his habits progress in his third season” is the final piece to the puzzle. The Vikings want their 2026 starter, be it McCarthy or QB Kyler Murray, “to lift the tide for the entire team.” McCarthy has been fully unable to do so thus far. Despite being the incumbent, McCarthy is currently viewed as the underdog in this summer’s quarterback battle. Avoid him in spring drafts for now.

Loudermilk only appeared in two games for the Steelers last year before landing on injured reserve with a high-ankle sprain. The former fifth-round pick has spent most of the past five years as a backup for the Steelers. He has one career sack and one TFL. Loudermilk will need to find a role on special teams to make the Vikings’ roster.