7 Minnesota Vikings QB Trade Targets As Kyler Murray’s Struggles Linger
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- 7 Minnesota Vikings QB Trade Targets As Kyler Murray’s Struggles Linger
The former No. 1 overall pick has not lived up to whatever untapped potential he may or may not have in Kevin O’Connell’s offense. Rather than looking like a Pro Bowler again, Kyler Murray seems like he’s closer to being benched for a 6-1 Minnesota Vikings team. This time, he led the Vikings to just 15 points, eight of which came in the fourth quarter of the four-point loss. Murray’s numbers look better thanks to waking up in the final frame, but there’s no hiding the fact that the Vikings’ offense generated just 15 first downs while going 3-for-10 on third-down attempts. This offense is atrocious, which makes no sense with Justin Jefferson being more than capable of generating explosive plays.
Related: 7 Minnesota Vikings QB Trade Targets As Kyler Murray’s Struggles Linger
Currently the New Orleans Saints’ backup to Tyler Shough, some around the league still believe the 26-year-old has some untapped potential after completing 67.7% of his passes for 1,586 yards, eight touchdowns, and five interceptions in eight starts (nine games) in 2025. Could the Vikings’ brass be part of that group that thinks Rattler could have a breakout campaign with a change of scenery? That feels more like an offseason move, as someone to gamble on as a backup rather than handing him the keys midseason, but he could perhaps turn up the heat in Minnesota.
Benched in Week 8’s loss, Jacoby Brissett’s time as the Arizona Cardinals starting quarterback may be running out, if not expired. He’s certainly not an upper-echelon quarterback, but Brissett has proven he can take care of the ball with the best of them, coming into the season with the lowest interception rate in NFL history. While he’s since lost that claim to future Hall of Famer Aaron Rodgers, Brissett has also shown he’s capable of moving the chains as a passer, something Murray has struggled with all season long. Yet, can the Vikings be convinced that he’d be an upgrade?
The early chatter has suggested that the Vikings could even turn back to old friend Daniel Jones, who closed out the 2024 season in Minnesota, appreciating his time learning under coach O’Connell. After being in the early MVP conversation last season, ‘Indiana Jones’ hasn’t had the same magic since coming back from last year’s torn Achilles. In the midst of a fire sale, the Colts may be open to ditching their QB too, especially since former No. 4 overall pick Anthony Richardson is still in town. But again, would the Vikings turn the team over to a struggling Jones? At least he’d know the offense better than many other options that may be available.
Related: Super Bowl-Winning QB Urges Minnesota Vikings to Make Blockbuster Trade for $44M Pro Bowler
It may get to a point where the Los Angeles Chargers are ready to pull the plug after a horrendous start. He’s clearly a gifted quarterback with a cannon arm and mobility to manipulate the pocket, but it’s just not working under Jim Harbaugh and Mike McDaniel in 2026. There’s been no indication that the Chargers are ready to blow it all up, but if the Vikings are looking for a different quarterback, they should absolutely be giving Chargers GM Joe Hortiz a call.
People forget that Geno Smith is playing out of his mind while on an expiring contract with the New York Jets. It’s certainly possible they’ll look to extend him after the season thanks to a breakout year, but the Jets are also 2-6. They’re not going anywhere this season, Smith is 36 years old, and the Jets have three first-round picks in the 2027 NFL Draft, meaning his replacement could be drafted in April. Plus, they also have fourth-round rookie Cade Klubnik, who the front office may be eager to evaluate, especially if they can get a solid Day 3 pick for selling high on Smith.
Related: Minnesota Vikings Player Declined Trade to Contender
Mac Jones is an extremely valued piece of the San Francisco 49ers, helping lead them to a 5-3 record while Brock Purdy was hurt last season. But Purdy is healthy again and performing like one of the NFL’s best QBs this season. Jones is also on an expiring contract, and after spending the past two seasons under Kyle Shanahan, he may be uniquely equipped to operate coach O’Connell’s offense too. Still just 28 years old, the Vikings may view Jones as their potential QB of the future, and getting him in the building now would be more valuable than having to bid with other interested parties on the open market.
Related: Minnesota Vikings Advised to Trade for Pro Bowl QB?
If there’s a ‘dream’ QB trade target for Minnesota’s front office right now, it’s Kirk Cousins. Not only has he operated coach O’Connell’s offense better than anyone else ever has, the four-time Pro Bowler is back to playing at an elite level, leading the league with 19 passing touchdowns in eight games. The Las Vegas Raiders are 4-4, and they may not be willing to sell at the moment, possibly preferring to hold all their chips right up until the NFL trade deadline, whereas the Vikings may be itching to make a move right now.
Related: 6-Step Plan to Build the Minnesota Vikings Into Super Bowl Champions
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7 Minnesota Vikings QB Trade Targets As Kyler Murray’s Struggles Linger
7 Minnesota Vikings QB Trade Targets As Kyler Murray’s Struggles Linger
7 Minnesota Vikings QB Trade Targets As Kyler Murray’s Struggles Linger
7 Minnesota Vikings QB Trade Targets As Kyler Murray’s Struggles Linger
7 Minnesota Vikings QB Trade Targets As Kyler Murray’s Struggles Linger
7 Minnesota Vikings QB Trade Targets As Kyler Murray’s Struggles Linger
7 Minnesota Vikings QB Trade Targets As Kyler Murray’s Struggles Linger
Loser: Kyler Murray and the Minnesota Vikings’ Offense
The former No. 1 overall pick has not lived up to whatever untapped potential he may or may not have in Kevin O’Connell’s offense. Rather than looking like a Pro Bowler again, Kyler Murray seems like he’s closer to being benched for a 6-1 Minnesota Vikings team. This time, he led the Vikings to just 15 points, eight of which came in the fourth quarter of the four-point loss. Murray’s numbers look better thanks to waking up in the final frame, but there’s no hiding the fact that the Vikings’ offense generated just 15 first downs while going 3-for-10 on third-down attempts. This offense is atrocious, which makes no sense with Justin Jefferson being more than capable of generating explosive plays.
Related: 7 Minnesota Vikings QB Trade Targets As Kyler Murray’s Struggles Linger
Spencer Rattler
Currently the New Orleans Saints’ backup to Tyler Shough, some around the league still believe the 26-year-old has some untapped potential after completing 67.7% of his passes for 1,586 yards, eight touchdowns, and five interceptions in eight starts (nine games) in 2025. Could the Vikings’ brass be part of that group that thinks Rattler could have a breakout campaign with a change of scenery? That feels more like an offseason move, as someone to gamble on as a backup rather than handing him the keys midseason, but he could perhaps turn up the heat in Minnesota.
Jacoby Brissett
Benched in Week 8’s loss, Jacoby Brissett’s time as the Arizona Cardinals starting quarterback may be running out, if not expired. He’s certainly not an upper-echelon quarterback, but Brissett has proven he can take care of the ball with the best of them, coming into the season with the lowest interception rate in NFL history. While he’s since lost that claim to future Hall of Famer Aaron Rodgers, Brissett has also shown he’s capable of moving the chains as a passer, something Murray has struggled with all season long. Yet, can the Vikings be convinced that he’d be an upgrade?
Daniel Jones
The early chatter has suggested that the Vikings could even turn back to old friend Daniel Jones, who closed out the 2024 season in Minnesota, appreciating his time learning under coach O’Connell. After being in the early MVP conversation last season, ‘Indiana Jones’ hasn’t had the same magic since coming back from last year’s torn Achilles. In the midst of a fire sale, the Colts may be open to ditching their QB too, especially since former No. 4 overall pick Anthony Richardson is still in town. But again, would the Vikings turn the team over to a struggling Jones? At least he’d know the offense better than many other options that may be available.
Related: Super Bowl-Winning QB Urges Minnesota Vikings to Make Blockbuster Trade for $44M Pro Bowler
Justin Herbert
It may get to a point where the Los Angeles Chargers are ready to pull the plug after a horrendous start. He’s clearly a gifted quarterback with a cannon arm and mobility to manipulate the pocket, but it’s just not working under Jim Harbaugh and Mike McDaniel in 2026. There’s been no indication that the Chargers are ready to blow it all up, but if the Vikings are looking for a different quarterback, they should absolutely be giving Chargers GM Joe Hortiz a call.
Geno Smith
People forget that Geno Smith is playing out of his mind while on an expiring contract with the New York Jets. It’s certainly possible they’ll look to extend him after the season thanks to a breakout year, but the Jets are also 2-6. They’re not going anywhere this season, Smith is 36 years old, and the Jets have three first-round picks in the 2027 NFL Draft, meaning his replacement could be drafted in April. Plus, they also have fourth-round rookie Cade Klubnik, who the front office may be eager to evaluate, especially if they can get a solid Day 3 pick for selling high on Smith.
Related: Minnesota Vikings Player Declined Trade to Contender
Mac Jones
Mac Jones is an extremely valued piece of the San Francisco 49ers, helping lead them to a 5-3 record while Brock Purdy was hurt last season. But Purdy is healthy again and performing like one of the NFL’s best QBs this season. Jones is also on an expiring contract, and after spending the past two seasons under Kyle Shanahan, he may be uniquely equipped to operate coach O’Connell’s offense too. Still just 28 years old, the Vikings may view Jones as their potential QB of the future, and getting him in the building now would be more valuable than having to bid with other interested parties on the open market.
Related: Minnesota Vikings Advised to Trade for Pro Bowl QB?
Kirk Cousins
If there’s a ‘dream’ QB trade target for Minnesota’s front office right now, it’s Kirk Cousins. Not only has he operated coach O’Connell’s offense better than anyone else ever has, the four-time Pro Bowler is back to playing at an elite level, leading the league with 19 passing touchdowns in eight games. The Las Vegas Raiders are 4-4, and they may not be willing to sell at the moment, possibly preferring to hold all their chips right up until the NFL trade deadline, whereas the Vikings may be itching to make a move right now.
Related: 6-Step Plan to Build the Minnesota Vikings Into Super Bowl Champions
