The Minnesota Vikings rotated quarterbacks Kyler Murray and J. J.
McCarthy with the first-team offense during Wednesday's OTA practice in Eagan.
Head coach Kevin O'Connell split the practice scripts evenly between the two first-round picks to avoid speculation about the starting role.
Murray, a two-time Pro Bowl player who signed with Minnesota in March, completed downfield passes to Jordan Addison and Dontae Fleming despite heavy blitz packages from defensive coordinator Brian Flores.
After practice, Murray spoke to the media for the first time since his free-agency arrival.
"My confidence is unshakable," Murray said. "That's how I feel about myself, regardless of what happens."
He expressed enthusiasm about joining an offense featuring All-Pro wide receiver Justin Jefferson.
"It's been great," Murray said. "New territory for me.
Never really expected to be in this situation. Things happen in the NFL.
Now that I am here, you can't draw it up any better."
Murray praised the wide receiver room.
"I mean, I don't know how you can't love that room," he said. "You got the best receiver in the league.
And then, you know, J. A.
and the guys."
Wide receiver Jordan Addison described Murray as a veteran presence.
"He's a vet," Addison said. "He knows what he's doing.
He's a really laid-back type of guy."
Incumbent starter J. J.
McCarthy matched Murray's accuracy during 7-on-7 and team periods, showing refined mechanics under private coach John Beck.
When asked about the team signing a high-profile veteran, McCarthy remained stoic.
"Then I would be disappointed if the rain fell," McCarthy said.
He described the roster addition as an organizational decision beyond his control.
"It's just like two guys in a classroom," McCarthy said. "He sits on one side, and I sit on the other side."
McCarthy compared the social dynamic to high school.
"Awkwardness?
It's just like the same feeling when you're in high school, and there's another person on the other side of the room," he said.
He expressed excitement about new wide receiver Jauan Jennings.
"He's got a great energy about him," McCarthy said.
"Been watching him for a long time; he's been doing it at a really high level for a long time."
