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Minnesota Vikings Expected to Acquire Veteran QB: 5 Potential Solutions
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- Minnesota Vikings Expected to Acquire Veteran QB: 5 Potential Solutions
This was supposed to be the year of J.J. McCarthy for the Minnesota Vikings . But the 2024 first-round pick has been limited to just two games after suffering an ankle sprain in Week 2. His absence gave way to Carson Wentz , who started the past five games for the Vikings, leading them to a 2-3 record.
Yet, now Wentz has to undergo season-ending shoulder surgery, and there's no guarantee McCarthy will be back to full health in time for Sunday's matchup against the Detroit Lions . The only other quarterback in the Vikings' organization is undrafted rookie Max Brosmer , who's attempted eight passes in the NFL.
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With Wentz ruled out, McCarthy's status up in the air, and Brosmer's lack of experience, the Vikings have no choice but to add another QB to the organization. Earlier this season, when McCarthy initially suffered his injury, the Vikings added former third-round pick Desmond Ridder to the practice squad. Yet, the Vikings released Ridder on Oct. 4. It's possible they'll bring the 26-year-old back into the fold now, but since Minnesota's QB room is so young, they may prefer a veteran with more experience.
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter , the Vikings are indeed prioritizing experience over upside, and they'll likely make a roster move soon.
"At some point in time, the Minnesota Vikings are going to have to add a veteran quarterback. I don't think it's a high-profile move. Vikings have to add a veteran quarterback at some point in time here."
If experience is what the Vikings seek, there are plenty of options available. The question is whether Vikings GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah will try filling this need in free agency or via trade. If the Vikings want a quality option, they'll have to turn to another trade. Below, we dove into a few options before the Nov. 4 NFL trade deadline.
Josh Dobbs
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If the Vikings are looking to add another quarterback, chances are they'll search for someone familiar with the offense or the scheme. Dobbs fits the bill as someone who already knows Kevin O'Connell's offense from starting four games in Minnesota in 2023. Now, will the Patriots give up their primary backup to Drake Maye in a season where they look primed for a playoff run? Probably not, but it never hurts to call.
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Nick Mullens
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Nick Mullens seems like the perfect candidate to end up back in Minnesota before the trade deadline. He is Jacksonville 's QB2 behind Trevor Lawrence , but the Jaguars are a full three games behind the Colts , who sport the NFL's best record. A fair offer (sixth-round pick?) could be all that's needed for the Jaguars to allow Mullens to get what may be an easier path to playing time in an organization he already loves .
Jameis Winston
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The Vikings need a veteran quarterback. Brosmer may or may not be the future QB2 (or possibly more) in Minnesota, but it never hurts to start thinking about next season too. Jameis Winston signed a two-year contract with the Giants this offseason, which could appeal to Minnesota, knowing they wouldn't just be getting him for the rest of this year; they'd also start next season with a backup who's more than capable of starting when needed.
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Russell Wilson
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This feels like the unlikeliest candidate to end up in Minnesota. Yet, if the Vikings want someone who can continue pushing McCarthy to be his best, then perhaps bringing in a long-time starter like Wilson is the answer. He clearly has no future with the Giants after signing a one-year contract, then later witnessing them draft Jaxson Dart in the first round. Who knows? Maybe he can be the next Vikings reclamation project who goes on to experience success again elsewhere next season?
Kirk Cousins
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Until he retires, Kirk Cousins will always be linked back to the Vikings. Minnesota is the place where Cousins and his family called home for six seasons. Plus, he knows the offense, and has built some strong chemistry with the likes of Justin Jefferson , T.J. Hockenson , and Jordan Addison . His trade value may have even taken a slight hit after a fairly uninspiring performance against the Dolphins where he was held to just 173 scoreless yards on 31 attempts. We can't imagine a better backup QB for McCarthy to learn from.
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Related: NFL Power Rankings 2025: Week-by-Week NFL Evaluations of All 32 Teams
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