Vikings’ QB2 Hunt Takes Another Hit
The Minnesota Vikings have been linked to every available (or not available) quarterback at some point this offseason. J.J. McCarthy is expected to be the team’s QB1 this season, and the Aaron Rodgers pursuit is over, at least for now. Still, a new backup signal-caller is on the wishlist.
Vikings’ QB2 Hunt Takes Another Hit
When free agency began, the list of potential QB2s was seemingly endless. Almost two weeks later, the number of candidates keeps dwindling to less than a handful of prominent names.
One of those found a new home, as Tom Pelissero reported Friday: “Veteran QB Jameis Winston is signing with the Giants, per source. The team remains open to adding another QB through free agency or the draft, and Winston’s deal — two years, $8 million — doesn’t preclude them from making additional QB moves.”
Additional quarterback moves, of course, include drafting a passer. The Giants hold the third overall pick, and while Cam Ward will likely be off the board, Shedeur Sanders is expected to be available. In addition to that, Rodgers might still be an option for the Giants.
Pelissero added, “The Giants had only one QB on the roster: Tommy DeVito. Now they add Jameis Winston on a backup deal, giving them options as their pursuit of Aaron Rodgers continues and they weigh what to do with the No. 3 overall pick.”
Winston, formerly a first overall pick by the Buccaneers, started 70 of 72 games he played with Tampa Bay, becoming synonymous with the word gunslinger. In his final season with the club, he tossed 33 touchdowns but accumulated an absurd 30 interceptions.
The Bucs moved on when Tom Brady became available and immediately won the Super Bowl. Winston then took a step back as Drew Brees’ backup for one season. In 2021, he started seven games for the Saints, and he logged three additional starts in 2022.
After one season as Derek Carr’s clipboard holder, he bounced for Cleveland, where he was suddenly asked to perform in the bright lights following Deshaun Watson’s injury. A couple of heroic performances and a few mind-blowing turnover-prone games later, he was once again a free agent.
Winston, now 31 years old, enters an uncertain situation in New York, but he has a chance to start games and perhaps even the entire season, depending on the competition he could get. He has started 87 games in his career and registered 154 passing touchdowns and 111 INTs.
The Vikings, meanwhile, have a short list of candidates for the QB2 job. On the more prominent side, there are Ryan Tannehill, Joe Flacco, and Carson Wentz. Former Vikings Case Keenum and Teddy Bridgewater are free agents, as well.
Acquiring one via trade is also possible. Could Will Levis, Sam Howell, or Aidan O’Connell be available for draft pick compensation?
McCarthy is coming off a torn meniscus that ended up costing him his entire rookie season. Because he is an unproven player, it would be wise to have a backup play in case he isn’t ready for the NFL level for one reason or another.
Editor’s Note: Information from PFF, Over The Cap, and Pro Football Reference helped with this article.
Former Vikings Tight End Signs with Chargers
Janik Eckardt is a football fan who likes numbers and stats. The Vikings became his favorite team despite their quarterback at the time, Christian Ponder. He is a walking soccer encyclopedia, loves watching sitcoms, and prefers Classic rock over other genres. Follow him on Twitter if you like the Vikings: @JanikEckardt