There were multiple times last season when head coach Kevin O’Connell referenced the feelings of joy he had getting to work with all of the talented quarterbacks the Vikings had on their roster.
The group featured starting quarterback Sam Darnold, backup quarterback Nick Mullens, and reserve quarterback Brett Rypien. The Vikings later added veteran Daniel Jones with injured rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy learning the ropes of the position from a distance.
Now, more than half of those players are slotted to play elsewhere next season, as Darnold has agreed to terms with the Seattle Seahawks, Mullens has agreed to terms with the Jacksonville Jaguars, and Jones has agreed to terms with the Indianapolis Colts.
Although the Vikings seem comfortable with McCarthy taking over under center, they also understand the importance of finding the right person to pair with him as he navigates the early stages of his career. There are still a wide array of options on the open market.
Here are some quarterbacks still available for the Vikings.
Aaron Rodgers
This is certainly the most polarizing name of the bunch for the Vikings.
Though he might provide the highest ceiling in a vacuum, Rodgers brings a lot of drama with him, which, in turn, could hinder McCarthy’s development. Let’s just say it’s highly unlikely that Rodgers comes here and is content being the backup.
As unlikely as it seems at this point, the thought of Rodgers fulfilling the prophecy put in motion by Hall of Fame quarterback Brett Favre once upon a time is certainly intriguing on the surface. He has played for the Green Bay Packers and New York Jets. All that’s left to do is play for the Vikings.
New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) passes against the Indianapolis Colts during the first quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
Jameis Winston
If the Vikings are looking for somebody who can win games in a pinch while also bringing good vibes to the locker room, Winston might be the best fit of anybody out there.
Not only did he help bring some stability to the Cleveland Browns last for a period of time last season, Winston even proved he can win a couple of games with arguably the worst roster in the NFL.
He’s viewed by pretty much everybody as a backup based on his track record. The only issue is Winston might be looking for a place where he has a better chance to compete to be the starter.
Cleveland Browns quarterback Jameis Winston (5) looks to pass during an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024, in Cleveland. The Chiefs won 21-7. (AP Photo/David Richard)
Gardner Minshew
Never mind that Minshew struggled with the Las Vegas Raiders last season, he has served as both a starter and a backup throughout his career, so he brings a good amount of experience at the position.
That alone could be invaluable to McCarthy as he tries to take the next step.
The singular sense of swagger that Minshew brings to the table is also something that can’t be ignored. He’d become a fan favorite with the Vikings, even if he spent most of his time holding a clipboard on the sidelines.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Gardner Minshew (15) warms up prior to an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
Carson Wentz
It’s been a winding road for Wentz. Why not bring him back to the Midwest?
After starring for North Dakota State in college, Wentz never turned into the face of the franchise many people thought he could be in Philadelphia. That said, Wentz has found his niche as a backup as of late, spending time with the Los Angeles Rams and the Kansas City Chiefs, respectively, over the past couple of seasons.
Though he wouldn’t be the flashiest signing, Wentz could be a sneaky one for the Vikings.
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Carson Wentz (11) warms up before the AFC Championship NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills, Sunday, Jan. 26, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
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