Vikings GM Pumps Brakes on Backup QB Theory
The Minnesota Vikings have checked most items on their offseason wishlist. Will Fries and Ryan Kelly solidify the interior offensive line. Javon Hargrave and Jonathan Allen bolster the defensive line. The secondary was overhauled, and the running back group was elevated by adding Jordan Mason.
Vikings GM Pumps Brakes on Backup QB Theory
One thing hasn’t been addressed: the position of the team’s QB2. J.J. McCarthy is the presumed starter, and Brett Rypien is the only other QB under contract.
Because he managed all other aspects, the QB2 subject has gained significant attention from the media, including this site, as well as among fans. During his pre-draft presser on Thursday, he was asked whether the compensatory pick situation is playing a role in the delayed reaction.
He explained by referencing Jonathan Greenard from last offfseason, “It’s not the end-all be-all. When you find a 27-year-old pass rusher who fits your team and skill sets that you want, you go do it, because you ask yourself, ‘What would I rather have?’ and the answer sometimes is, ‘I would rather have that really good player.’ We’re not going to rush it either way, but we’re always mindful of it.”
Adofo-Mensah is well aware that the Vikings are on pace to score a third-round pick in the 2026 draft for Sam Darnold’s departure, similar to this year’s 97th pick for Kirk Cousins’ exit, as well as a second comp pick, likely in the fourth of fifth-round for either Cam Robinson or Daniel Jones, depending on the latter’s playing time and unlocked incentives.
Signing someone, let’s say Carson Wentz, for $5 million to be the QB2 would erase that second compensatory pick.
His Greenard example doesn’t apply in this case because neither Wentz nor anyone else on the market (there aren’t many notable names left) is good enough to be tempted to say goodbye to that draft pick.
The wait will likely end in about one and a half weeks because the deadline for free agents to count toward the compensatory pick formula is Monday after the draft. Then, the Vikings can grab Wentz, Tyler Huntley, or whoever they desire. Cornerbacks Mike Hilton and Asante Samuel Jr. have also been linked to Minnesota.
Outside of just promoting Rypien to QB2, the Vikings can find another arm in three different ways.
1. Free Agency
The market is pretty dry after the recent wave of Joe Flacco, Josh Johnson, and Drew Lock found new homes. It’s likely the preferred method to acquire a new backup because it doesn’t involve any draft picks, at least after the comp pick deadline.
- C.J. Beathard
- Teddy Bridgewater
- Jeff Driskel
- Tyler Huntley
- Desmond Ridder
- Easton Stick
- Ryan Tannehill
- Carson Wentz
Tannehill doesn’t count toward the compensatory pick formula because he sat out the 2024 season. He is also the most prominent name on the list, but might not just accept a backup role.
2. Trade
Besides the free agents, the Vikings could look around the league and swap some draft capital for a backup quarterback from another team. Some have more than just two options.
- Sam Howell (Seahawks)
- Will Levis (Titans)
- Aidan O’Connell (Raiders)
The Seahawks added Lock to back up Darnold, making Howell non-essential. Levis will most likely lose his job to presumed first-overall pick Cam Ward, so why not give the Titans a late-rounder to acquire the former 33rd overall pick?
With Geno Smith on deck, O’Connell could be available, although it should be noted that the Raiders don’t have another good option on the roster. Considering Smith’s veteran status, developing a rookie behind him could make sense, though.
3. Draft
Well, the Vikings could also dip their toes into the rookie market. It would be the third straight offseason with a rookie QB arriving in the Twin Cities via the draft following McCarthy and Jaren Hall. Of course, the Vikings won’t spend an early pick on a passer, but why not bring in a late-rounder?
- Max Brosmer (Minnesota)
- Brady Cook (Missouri)
- Quinn Ewers (Texas)
- Dillon Gabriel (Oregon)
- Seth Henigan (Memphis)
- Will Howard (Ohio State)
- Riley Leonard (Notre Dame)
- Kyle McCord (Syracuse)
- Kurtis Rourke (Indiana)
This entire chapter is moot if Kevin O’Connell thinks the Vikings can’t use any resources to teach the new passer too many tricks since McCarthy is still a developmental guy. However, if they believe two youngsters can co-exist, adding one of those guys could be a reasonable option, while keeping the door open for signing a free agent if the rookie isn’t ready to be a reliable backup halfway through training camp.
Editor’s Note: Information from Over The Cap helped with this article.