Vikings Ranking: The Top 5 Quarterback Options on the Trade Market
Constructing a Vikings ranking can be a fool’s errand; after all, the opinion that gets expressed is precisely that: an opinion.
Nevertheless, there is at least some merit in exploring the rumored options (of whom there are many). Factors such as age, ability, contract numbers, and trade cost get factored into the mix even as the GM news creates uncertainty. Swinging a trade for an older, well-paid, and underperforming Kirk Cousins isn’t happening even if interest makes sense in a free agent capacity. Notably absent from the list are players who almost certainly cant be had, such as Justin Herbert and Joe Burrow. Kyler Murray is possible, but he’s expensive, leading to doubts. Who’s left?
Vikings Ranking — 5 QB Trade Options
5) Anthony Richardson — Indianapolis Colts
In all likelihood, Anthony Richardson wouldn’t be the Week 1 starter.
The former No. 4 selection has a pile of talent. The great issues are that he can’t stay healthy and can’t complete passes with any consistency. Seeing the Colts move on wouldn’t be surprising.
In Richardson, the Vikings would have someone who is still raw and who would benefit from a low-pressure job where he can develop his game away from the spotlight. The upside is that he would hold J.J. McCarthy’s feet to the fire since there’s a super-talented player in the same room who could be inserted into the game.
4) Davis Mills — Houston Texans
Minnesota liked Carson Wentz partly due to his size. Davis Mills comes in at 6’4″ and 225 pounds, a nice build to be an NFL passer.
Mills got scooped up at No. 67 (3rd Round) in the 2021 NFL Draft. His career has involved completing 61.8% of his passes alongside tossing 40 touchdowns versus 26 interceptions. In 2025, Mills went 3-0 in his starts for the Texans, a team with a ferocious defense.
C.J. Stroud has his critics. Houston, quite possibly, could opt to keep the QB2 as insurance. Wouldn’t be shocking, though, to hear rumblings of teams calling about the 27-year-old passer.
3) Mac Jones — San Francisco 49ers
Any chance Kyle Shanahan is the real QB whisperer?
Mac Jones was promising for the Patriots before struggling. He got a chance with the Jaguars but didn’t play particularly well. As a 49er, Jones showed a ton of promise.
The public comments from San Francisco’s leaders suggest that there isn’t a huge appetite to move him. With respect, those words are basically meaningless. Players in the NFL get cut or traded commonly after receiving praise from a coach or executive.
All that matters from those words is merely that the trade cost isn’t cheap for Jones. Any team that’s calling needs to send over a legit draft pick(s) to pry away a cheap, competent quarterback.
2) Justin Fields — New York Jets
The Vikings have long been connected to Justin Fields.
He’s young and possesses good size. He has a history of starting and can chew up yards on the ground. But then there’s the issue of being a starter for three teams — Bears, Steelers, and Jets — without fully solidifying the QB1 job long term.
In Minnesota, Mr. Fields would have the benefit of working for a stable organization (relative to the Jets, at least) with great talent on offense. So, too, would he get to work within a room where he’s not being trusted as the clear-cut starter. Compete to earn the job. If that pursuit fails, then soak up coaching from Kevin O’Connell before journeying into another NFL chance down the road.
1) Jameis Winston — New York Giants
He has size and experience. He can toss the ball far, too. Being able to stretch the field vertically is mandatory for Coach O’Connell.
Jameis Winston isn’t the world’s best quarterback. After all, there’s a reason why the former No. 1 selection was the QB3 for the New York Giants while working on a modest deal. Why should the Vikings have interest?
Well, he’s talented. He isn’t scared, either. One thinks of Nick Mullens as an interesting comparable whom Vikings fans would know. The caveat with Winston is that he’s got a way better build and more arm talent.
Anyone who is the QB2 (or, quite possibly, the QB1 depending on how competition unravels) needs to be unafraid and capable of stretching the field. Winston is that player. And did I mention he’s cheap?
Keep an eye on this one.
