This is not a secret: the Minnesota Vikings will onboard a new quarterback this offseason, either to support J.J. McCarthy as a veteran backup or compete for his job at training camp. And thanks to NFL Network 's Tom Pelissero, an early list is reportedly on the table, including Kirk Cousins , Mac Jones , Kyler Murray , and Geno Smith .
Pelissero's list puts Cousins, Jones, Murray, and Smith in the Vikings' orbit as Minnesota weighs its big quarterback decision.
It's not a list from heaven, but Minnesota could do much worse.
The quarterback position takes center stage early in the Vikings' offseason.
Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins surveys the field late at Bank of America Stadium during a road matchup, operating Minnesota's offense in the fourth quarter on Oct. 1, 2023, as the game tightened in Charlotte. The moment captured Cousins managing pressure and clock while the Vikings pushed for a finish against Carolina. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports.
Kirk Cousins
If Cousins' return to Minnesota is a genuine possibility, the central question becomes not whether it happens, but what role he would fill.
Cousins was an undisputed QB1 for years, but that's no longer the case. A reunion would be complex, and Kevin O'Connell would face three options: immediately install Cousins as the Week 1 starter, allow him to compete with J.J. McCarthy , or use him as a strictly backup option — the same insurance role he was projected for in Atlanta in 2025.
In 2023, his last season as Minnesota's starter, Cousins ranked fifth in the NFL among quarterbacks in EPA per play . In 2024, that number plummeted to 30th out of 35 qualifying passers. Any assessment must consider his torn Achilles from a few years ago; projecting Cousins' performance in 2026 demands more realism and less nostalgia.
The primary allure of a return lies in the financial aspect. Because the Falcons have essentially already paid Cousins — handsomely — for 2026, his next contract will likely be a bargain. That changes the discourse significantly. The cap-related frustration that followed him from 2018 to 2023 disappears if his salary aligns with that of a backup.
If affordability eliminates the resentment that once surrounded Cousins, will parts of the fanbase that rejected him at his previous price now embrace him at a discount — especially if his role is flexible rather than guaranteed? Who knows.
Mac Jones
The main item surrounding Jones's 2026 plans isn't if he can start in the NFL, but what it would cost to acquire him.
In 2025, Jones started eight games for San Francisco , leading the 49ers to a 5–3 record. Extrapolated to a full season, those numbers project to 4,570 passing yards, 28 touchdowns, 13 interceptions, and a 69.6 percent completion rate. That's Top 15 QB stuff.
Those statistics are also comparable to Sam Darnold's 2024 season , the same year Minnesota finished 14–3. Neither Jones's recent game film nor his efficiency metrics suggest he would suddenly regress in Minnesota.
San Francisco is positioned to capitalize on the desperation of quarterback-needy teams via trade, and Minnesota must decide if it will enter the Jones sweepstakes. Jones is a good fit for many teams. Ultimately, interim general manager Rob Brzezinski must decide if sending 1st- or 2nd-Round pick to The Bay — or something similar — is worth it.
Kyler Murray
Murray's talent is evident, regardless of other options.
Over seven seasons, his EPA+CPOE numbers exceed those of Baker Mayfield , C.J. Stroud , Trevor Lawrence , and Daniel Jones — all quarterbacks currently projected to start in 2026. That established efficiency isn't negotiable, even though some Vikings fans are oddly hesitant about Murray to Minnesota.
Arizona 's situation strengthens Murray's case for change. With a new head coach, the Cardinals seem ready to move on after seven years and just one playoff appearance with Murray. The man could be traded any day or released in March.
Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray prepares on the sideline at State Farm Stadium before kickoff, pulling on his helmet prior to facing Atlanta on Nov. 12, 2023, in Glendale. The pregame scene showed Murray locked in as Arizona finalized plans and personnel ahead of a home matchup under bright desert lights. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-Imagn Images.
Considering only realistic possibilities, Murray quickly emerges as a top candidate. Based on his career production and status as the No. 1 overall pick in 2019, he represents the best quarterback Minnesota could realistically acquire this offseason, barring improbable trades involving players like Joe Burrow or Lamar Jackson .
Murray has everything going for him on any given Sunday — aside from height — passing accuracy, arm strength, speed, mobility, and experience.
Smith's extensive resume sets him apart from many quarterbacks available this offseason , making him an attractive option for teams that want stability and insurance.
Since 2013, Smith has started 98 games, with his teams compiling a 42–56 record along the way. He averages roughly 203 passing yards per game, with a touchdown-to-interception ratio of 124 to 89, and has added 12 rushing touchdowns.
Raiders quarterback Geno Smith watches the sideline at NRG Stadium during a road contest, tracking communication as Las Vegas faced Houston on Dec. 21, 2025, in Texas. The in-game moment reflected Smith assessing adjustments and flow while the offense navigated a challenging environment away from home under prime-time conditions. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images.
Seattle 's decision to name him their starter in 2022 revitalized his career, as Smith seized the opportunity, delivering a breakout season with 4,282 passing yards and 30 touchdowns. He retained the role for three seasons before joining the Raiders via trade, which propelled the Seahawks to a Super Bowl win after signing Sam Darnold in 2025 free agency.
However, Smith's tenure in Las Vegas appears short-lived. With the Raiders widely expected to draft Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza using the first overall pick in April, Smith could be traded or demoted. Should he seek a new team, Minnesota is a decent landing spot for all parties.
It's worth noting that Smith will turn 36 in October.
