9 QB Options for the Vikings
J.J. McCarthy remains the Vikings’ long-term hope at quarterback — but hope alone isn’t a roster plan. Minnesota will almost certainly explore competition and insurance this offseason, with several viable paths available across the league. Here are nine quarterback options the Vikings could consider.
Note: This list will not include long shots like Joe Burrow, Lamar Jackson, or Justin Herbert. Also not included will be Daniel Jones. He is a pending free agent, but his recovery timeline from a torn Achilles likely knocks him out of the “competition” category, as it’s unclear if he’s good to go when training camp kicks off.
1. Kirk Cousins
Former Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins will once again be in the spotlight this offseason. The Falcons just hired Kevin Stefanski as their new head coach, but they have also restructured his contract in a way that makes a release by March likely.
Cousins knows the building, the staff and Minnesota’s receivers. He is coming off a season with eight starts, scoring ten touchdowns to five interceptions and has shown that there is some juice left.
2. Joe Flacco
Veteran Joe Flacco has a ton of experience in the NFL, including a Super Bowl ring with the Ravens over a decade ago. In 2025, Flacco started out as the Browns quarterback, but he was traded to Cincinnati after a few games. Ultimately, Flacco started six games with the Bengals and threw 13 touchdown passes, showing he can spread the ball to elite wideouts.
He just turned 41 and doesn’t have the arm he once had, but he can guide an efficient offense if asked to. Furthermore, Flacco has been in a comparable backup situation for years, which is enticing.
3. Mac Jones
Former Patriots first-rounder Mac Jones is a sneaky candidate to be the next man in the Baker Mayfield/Sam Darnold redemption territory. After a strong start to his career, his tenure in New England ended a couple of years ago. In 2024, he backed up Trevor Lawrence in Jacksonville and looked quite good in his seven starts.
He was Brock Purdy’s backup in 2025 and logged a 5-3 record with the 49ers, with 13 TDs and six INTs. Jones would be a cost-effective option, but the Vikings would have to convince the 49ers that a trade is the best move for all parties. He signed a two-year deal last offseason.
4. Marcus Mariota
The second overall pick from the 2015 Draft is scheduled to be a free agent in March. He’s turned into a journeyman over the years, playing for the Raiders, Falcons, Eagles and Commanders in the last five seasons.
In 2025, Mariota started eight games because of Jayden Daniels’ injuries, recording ten passing touchdowns and seven picks. Mariota can still use his legs to generate yards on the ground. He’s 32 years old.
5. Kyler Murray
Speaking of mobile quarterbacks, Kyler Murray doesn’t seem to have a future in Arizona. He’s under (a lucrative) contract, but a release and a trade are both plausible. After completing the season with only five starts, scoring six touchdowns and throwing three interceptions, Murray’s stock has never been lower.
However, at his best, Murray is a Pro Bowler who can be a difference-maker with his arm and his legs. He’s arguably the most talented player on the list, and if healthy, he offers a fairly high ceiling for the Vikings in the upcoming season.
6. Aaron Rodgers
One of the Minnesota Vikings’ top enemies in franchise history, Aaron Rodgers, just dropped out of the postseason with the Pittsburgh Steelers. He’s no longer anywhere close to the elite player he once was, but Rodgers can still manage a game and get the ball to the right spots. The future Hall of Famer threw for 24 touchdowns and only seven interceptions in 2025.
It’s important to note that he has turned into a quarterback who is mostly operating in short-yardage plays rather than throwing the ball past the sticks, which could be problematic in Kevin O’Connell’s offense. Also, it’s unclear whether he wants to play in 2026 at the age of 42.
7. Geno Smith
Just like Murray, Smith could either arrive via trade or if the Raiders cut him after only one season. With 19 TDs and 17 INTs, Smith led one of the worst offenses in football last season, and the struggles ultimately led to major organizational changes.
Still, Smith was effective in his final season in Seattle, and he would be a decent backup option if he became available.
8. Malik Willis
Unlike most quarterbacks on the list, Packers quarterback Malik Willis is someone whose arrow is clearly pointing up. Drafted by the Titans in 2022, he was quickly substituted as the quarterback of the future in Tennessee and Green Bay traded for his services ahead of the 2024 season.
He replaced Jordan Love a couple of times in each of the last two campaigns. Willis scored six passing touchdowns and zero picks in his limited opportunities since 2024, completing an outrageous 78.7% of his passes. Especially intriguing is his rushing upside, as he is an elite running quarterback. The sample size remains small, but the efficiency and athletic ceiling stand out.
The growth has been there, but so will be the suitors in free agency.
9. Russell Wilson
The third Super Bowl champion on the list, Russell Wilson hasn’t had much success since leaving Seattle following the 2021 season. Last year, he started three times for the New York Giants, ultimately appearing in six games. He tossed three touchdowns and three picks.
His mobility is gone and his deep passes aren’t as lethal as they once were, but he brings experience to the table and is available as a free agent.
Editor’s Note: Information from PFF, Over The Cap, and Sports Reference helped with this article.