EAGAN, Minn. (AP) — The Minnesota Vikings have chosen Kyler Murray as their starting quarterback over J.J. McCarthy, the widely expected conclusion to what coach Kevin O’Connell pledged was a true competition. Murray, who signed a one-year contract with the Vikings for the veteran minimum salary, will be the fourth starting quarterback in four season openers following McCarthy, Sam Darnold and Kirk Cousins. Both Murray and McCarthy will play in the first exhibition game on Saturday against the New York Giants, O’Connell said. McCarthy will be the second stringer, followed by Carson Wentz, who started five games last season while McCarthy was injured. McCarthy, who was not immediately made available for comment, was the 10th overall pick in the 2024 draft.