There’s a Vikings Trade Idea for a Quarterback
The Minnesota Vikings currently have two quarterbacks attached to their roster, with starter J.J. McCarthy and returning QB3 Brett Rypien. McCarthy missed his entire rookie season with a knee injury and is still an unknown because he has never thrown a pass in the NFL. That’s why having a competent backup is vital.
There’s a Vikings Trade Idea for a Quarterback
The rumor mill has included pretty much all of the available options. Joe Flacco, Ryan Tannehill, Carson Wentz, and Case Keenum are the most prominent names still available on the market.
However, Kwesi Adofo-Mensah could also use the trade portal to acquire a new signal-caller. Bleacher Report floated the idea of a deal to bring Tennessee’s Will Levis to the Twin Cities. The former 33rd overall pick would be packaged with a 2025 sixth-rounder for only the cost of a 2025 fifth-rounder.
Moe Moton wrote, “According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, the Minnesota Vikings aren’t interested in Aaron Rodgers. They may prefer an experienced quarterback who can push J.J. McCarthy for the starting job rather than someone who expects to start over him.”
Indeed, the Vikings said “no thanks” to Aaron Rodgers, and the big-time reporters all emphasized that McCarthy would be the man going forward. The new guy is expected to be a capable QB2 who could win some games if asked to, but not a bonafide starter.
“If so, a young signal-caller who’s played in a notable number of regular-season games would be an ideal addition,” Moton added.
Reportedly, the Titans are done with Levis after two seasons.
Moton explained, “According to NFL insider Josina Anderson, the Titans ‘would like to transition’ from Will Levis. If McCarthy has a setback in his recovery from two meniscus tears or a rough offseason, Levis can provide veteran insurance until the Vikings get their quarterback of the future ready to lead the huddle.”
Quarterback Cam Ward is the favorite to be drafted first overall, and the Titans hold that pick. Tennessee recently signed veteran backup Brandon Allen, so Levis could be on the move.
Levis was selected as the first pick in the second round of the 2023 draft. Leading up to draft day, many believed he would be picked in the first round, potentially even in the top ten.
The NFL disagreed, and he kept falling to pick 33. Tennessee ended his tumble, and the Kentucky product joined a quarterback room with Malik Willis, a 2022 third-rounder with excellent physical tools but an inconsistent arm, and aging veteran Ryan Tannehill on the tail end of his career.
A few games into the season, starter Tannehill didn’t look right, throwing more picks than touchdowns. Levis was inserted into the lineup, and he lit up the stat sheet in his first start, throwing for four touchdowns.
However, that magic didn’t last long. In nine starts in his rookie season, Levis tabulated eight touchdowns and four picks. Last year, there was some hope for a second-year breakout, but he tabulated 13 touchdowns and 12 interceptions in his 12 starts, and Mason Rudolph usurped him a couple of times.
Levis needs to become Kevin O’Connell’s newest student. He has a powerful arm and the prototypical size for a quarterback. Just last season, in the loss against the Vikings, he launched numerous downfield rockets to challenge Minnesota’s secondary.
The Vikings could sign one of the aforementioned players or enter the trade market for a guy like Aidan O’Connell, Sam Howell, or, well, Levis.
The latter might have some untapped potential. Levis will turn 26 this summer.
Editor’s Note: Information from PFF, Over The Cap, and Pro Football Reference helped with this article.
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