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Minneapolis Newspaper Reveals 2026 QB Endorsement for Vikings
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- Minneapolis Newspaper Reveals 2026 QB Endorsement for Vikings
Rob Schumacher
Because of J.J. McCarthy 's extensive injury resume through just two seasons in the NFL, the Minnesota Vikings are likely to be quarterback shopping this offseason, hoping to find a quality backup to support the young passer — or compete with him outright at training camp . According to the Star Tribune , that signal-caller's name just should be Jimmy Garoppolo .
The idea screams "competent insurance," though Garoppolo's durability and cost would decide whether Minnesota treats it as real or bluster.
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Garaoppolo is well past his prime, but that hasn't stopped the Vikings throughout franchise history from taking the plunge, and Garoppolo will be rather gettable in March, as he will be a free agent.
Why Garoppolo Is Being Linked to the Vikings
The latest in the Vikings' offseason? Just sign Garoppolo.
Raiders quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo heads off the field following the final whistle at Allegiant Stadium after facing Green Bay, Oct 9, 2023, in Paradise. The moment captured a subdued exit as Las Vegas closed a difficult night, with postgame reactions unfolding amid questions about offensive execution and direction after the loss. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Jim Souhan Pounds the Table for Garoppolo
Souhan sized up Vikings' offseason quarterback options, such as Kirk Cousins , Joe Burrow , and Mac Jones — and then landed on Garoppolo.
He wrote , "I think there is a sleeper candidate who is being overlooked. He has not only played in a Super Bowl, he had a 10-point lead in the fourth quarter before Patrick Mahomes took over the game. He has played in two NFC title games. His postseason record is 4-2. His career completion percentage is 67.4, better than Cousins' 66.7 or Jones' 66.5."
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"He has learned under two of the best offensive coaches in football in Kyle Shanahan and Sean McVay. Because he plays for McVay, he is familiar with the offense run by Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell. This player has a far better résumé than Daniel Jones , Cousins or Sam Darnold did before those players arrived in Minnesota. Who am I talking about? You've probably guessed by now: Jimmy Garoppolo."
It's worth noting that Garoppolo has spent the last two seasons with the Los Angeles Rams , which is where O'Connell coached before joining the Vikings. Often, O'Connell, McVay, and Shanahan play round robin with backup quarterbacks.
Souhan added, "The name might not excite you. I would encourage you to compare his résumé with every other attainable quarterback on the market. Now, if Joe Burrow demands a trade from Cincinnati , he would become the subject of a bidding war, and the Vikings would probably at least try to acquire him. Garoppolo is on a one-year deal with the Rams."
"Unless Matthew Stafford retires and the Rams are willing to hand the job to Garoppolo, he will likely be looking for a place where he can make one more run as a starter. With McCarthy and Garoppolo, the Vikings would have a talented youngster and an accomplished veteran in the room, with Brosmer as their developmental quarterback."
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The Competent Backup Solution
The Vikings have already hinted this offseason that they will pursue a "deep quarterback room," and if the franchise follows Souhan's plan, Garoppolo would offer a competent backup solution — a guy who can help win games if McCarthy gets hurt.
What Garoppolo is not: a player who can be nominated as the QB1 as the fix for multiple seasons.
In that regard, Minnesota could actually forge a unique path this offseason: maintain McCarthy as the QB1 favorite, add a man like Malik Willis from free agency, and also re-sign Carson Wentz or Garoppolo as the QB3.
The Knock on Garoppolo? Injuries and Arm Strength.
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Why can't Garoppolo be viewed as a true McCarthy alternative, someone who can be the Vikings' quarterback over the next few seasons? Well, his main bugaboo is injuries. He's completed a full season just once in his career.
Rams quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo reacts on the sideline at SoFi Stadium during a Week 18 matchup against Seattle, Jan 5, 2025, in Inglewood. The scene reflected the tension of a season-ending divisional contest, as Los Angeles weighed late-game outcomes with playoff implications still hanging in the balance. Mandatory Credit: William Navarro-Imagn Images
He'll also turn 35 in 2026, so giving him the QB1 title forever would flash back to the Vikings' decision-making in the 1990s — finding a veteran retread passer and hoping for the best. That rarely worked, and it never won a Super Bowl .
Garoppolo, too, has always showcased mediocre arm strength. If Minnesota wants a quarterback to keep the offense small and underneath, Garoppolo would be the guy. No one has ever accused him of gunslinger tendencies.
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Fans Want Malik Willis
Aside from Garoppolo, fans have identified Willis as the apple of their eye. Willis is young (26), mobile, has an untapped upside, and totally balled out in back-to-back seasons when Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love missed games.
Titans quarterback Malik Willis drops back to pass during second-half action at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium, Nov 6, 2022, in Kansas City. The play showed Willis operating under pressure against the Chiefs, as Tennessee adjusted its approach while navigating a challenging road environment late in the contest. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports
Willis will also be "free" in the sense that Minnesota won't have to trade for him. Most good quarterbacks already have contracts set for 2026. Willis does not. The Vikings could pay him $15-20 million and ask him to compete against McCarthy this summer.
The Liberty alumnus has a lot more upside than Garoppolo, with no debates from anyone.
