Because J.J. McCarthy has experienced a bumpy first season as the Minnesota Vikings ' starting quarterback, three deep-sea fishing theories have emerged for passers the purple team could trade for in the offseason. It's the nature of the beast when the incumbent signal-caller ranks at the bottom of the NFL in all efficiency metrics.
If Minnesota decides it needs a higher ceiling than its current plan, these scenarios outline the logic behind the rumors.
Fans and media are never shy about dreaming big, and entering the 2026 offseason, three splashy quarterback trade theories are out there.
These quarterbacks will be in the conversation if the Vikings go deep-sea fishing this offseason.
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow walks toward the locker room after the fourth quarter on Jan. 29, 2023, at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri, following the AFC Championship loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. The scene captured a quiet moment after a narrow defeat that ended Cincinnati's Super Bowl hopes in a tightly contested postseason matchup. Mandatory Credit: Sam Greene-USA TODAY Sports.
1. Joe Burrow
The Hypothetical Trade Package:
2026 1st-Round Pick
2027 1st-Round Pick
2028 1st-Round Pick
Jonathan Greenard
(OLB)
A few weeks ago, Burrow bluntly told reporters that he was unhappy with the current state of affairs in Cincinnati — and his life, he claimed.
Those bizarre comments caused some NFL media members to speculate about an Andrew Luck -like situation from seven years ago when the Indianapolis Colts ' franchise quarterback shockingly retired. While Burrow is unlikely to follow that path, he could continue to express his disgruntlement and ask for a trade.
The Cincinnati Bengals would likely ship Burrow to an NFC team to avoid the jealousy headaches, and Burrow's National Champion teammate, Justin Jefferson , works for the Vikings. A match made in heaven.
It's just unknown whether the Burrow ordeal will get worse or stabilize. The Bengals' front office often irritates its players — and then nothing happens.
The Hypothetical Trade Package:
2026 1st-Round Pick
2027 1st-Round Pick
2026 2nd-Round Pick
Jordan Addison
(WR)
This season has looked a bit like an age-related decline for Jackson, not unlike Cam Newton a decade ago. Of course, Jackson could bounce back with a vengeance, but there's always a risk that his playing still could sink his production sooner than most.
Accordingly, some have spitballed that Baltimore could move on from Jackson, which would be earthshattering because the guy was an MVP candidate — the runner-up — a season ago.
The Athletic 's Mike Sando even mentioned the Vikings as a trade destination for Jackson this week if that idea came to fruition, so Jackson will live on lists like this one until … he does not.
Minnesota must be careful here, though, because if it trades the farm for the 2017 version of Cam Newton , it would set the franchise back years.
Our Janik Eckardt wrote this week about Jackson as a Vikings trade target, "Jackson isn't new to Vikings rumors. When he was franchise-tagged by the Ravens a couple of years ago, the Vikings were viewed as a possible new employer. Ultimately, he stayed with the Ravens."
"Signed through 2027, Jackson likely wants to lock-in more long-term security in the upcoming offseason. If the Ravens aren't willing to provide that, a divorce could be an option. Jackson is a genuine dual threat. Quarterbacks as fast as Jackson usually don't last long in the NFL because the passing game continues to be the dominant element of NFL offenses."
The Ravens can over the Steelers on Sunday night and stamp a ticket for the postseason, believe it or not.
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson and Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy cross paths on the field after the game on Nov. 9, 2025, at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The brief exchange reflected mutual respect between quarterbacks after a nationally watched matchup that offered a measuring-stick moment for Minnesota's offense late in the season. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images.
"Over the years, however, Jackson has developed into a very good passer of the football. That ability is enhanced by defenses having to focus on containing him in the pocket. That athleticism will eventually vanish as Father Time is still undefeated," Eckardt continued.
"Jackson will turn 29 next week. A hamstring injury derailed his 2025 campaign, and he was hurt in both 2021 and 2022. One might wonder if he'll age as gracefully as true pocket passers."
3. Kyler Murray
The Hypothetical Trade Package: 2026 3rd-Round Pick
A couple of months ago, when Murray battled a foot injury, NFL media speculated that Arizona conveniently benched him in favor of Jacoby Brissett . When the Cardinals' leaders were asked about the allegations, they did little to push back.
And since Murray arrived in Arizona, the franchise has embarked on seven seasons, netting exactly zero playoff wins. It's probably time to try something new.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray lines up against the Los Angeles Chargers on Nov. 27, 2022, at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, surveying the defense before the snap. The image highlighted Murray's role as the focal point of Arizona's offense during a stretch marked by inconsistency, injuries, and continued evaluation of the team's long-term direction. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports.
Therefore, either via trade or release, Murray will probably be available to a quarterback-needy team. The Vikings would make sense if they're ready to put McCarthy on the backburner.
The problem? If the Cardinals don't release Murray and instead insist on a trade, his cap number in 2026 is $53 million. Minnesota will begin the offseason underwater by about $40 million with the salary cap. The finances for a Murray trade — or one for Jackson or Burrow — are dicey.
