The quarterback competition for the Minnesota Vikings is starting to look more interesting as training camp approaches. After J.J. McCarthy’s remarks on his relationship with Kyler Murray, every word from both quarterbacks has been overly analyzed, and neither of them has been immune to criticism.
Sean Salisbury Criticizes Kyler Murray Before Vikings Training Camp Battle
Both quarterbacks, who are former first-round picks, are in crucial years of their careers. The battle for the starter job will say a lot about their futures in Minnesota, and Murray made an interesting remark to the press during the minicamps.
“Having to split reps. Me already being behind, not getting the amount of reps that, you know, you would typically want a guy to get [while] learning an offense. That’s probably the toughest part,” said the quarterback, who signed a one-year deal with the franchise after he was released from the Arizona Cardinals.
His words were criticized by another former Vikings quarterback. Sean Salisbury, who played for the franchise between 1990 and 1993 and now hosts a show named “Unpaved,” called out Murray for not fighting for the job on the field instead of complaining to the media about his number of reps:
#Vikings Kyler Murray Says The Toughest Part In Minnesota Is Splitting Reps.
Welcome To The Rest Of The Football World That Isn’t The First Pick Of The Draft.
You Ran From Competition At Texas A&M. You Had The Job Handed To You In Arizona For 7 Years. Now You Have To Earn It -… pic.twitter.com/dQDyC86Xt2
— UnpavedSeanSalisbury (@SSalisburyShow) June 10, 2026
“The first time he faced some competition he didn’t like at Oklahoma, Texas A&M, where did he go? He left. Kyler went on to throw the ball all over the lot and be the first pick, but he ran when he first took competition. He just did.”
“He’s a smart guy, but I think having a red carpet rolled out for you everywhere you’ve been, you finally realize this is what most people face in their jobs. You’ve got to go in and win the f***ing thing. The kid’s a hell of a talent, but that doesn’t mean s*** when you get to have to compete and can’t overcome competition.”
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Most analysts expect Murray to win the job based on his talent and experience. Still, with McCarthy drafted in the first round just two years ago, the Vikings would certainly love to see him rise above the level of competition and win the job based on his performances.
The Vikings were a solid team in 2025, even without a solid answer at the quarterback position. They hope to fix the mess before 2026 to avoid a repeat.