WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — Though the Vikings haven’t completely ruled out a scenario in which they reconnect with future Hall of Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers, they appear content giving unproven quarterback J.J. McCarthy a chance to solidify himself as the starter this offseason..
That was the overarching theme from general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah last week at TCO Performance Center. It will be interesting to hear from head coach Kevin O’Connell this week at NFL Owners Meetings in West Palm Beach, Fla.
Will he leave the door open for Rodgers? Will he give a vote of confidence to McCarthy? Will he discuss other options at the position?
The best way for the Vikings to rid themselves of the rumors surrounding Rodgers once and for all is to sign somebody else. That might not come until after the draft, however, when free agents no longer impact the formula used to determine compensatory picks.
Which veteran quarterbacks (not named Aaron Rodgers) makes sense for the Vikings? Here are some still available signal callers.
Ryan Tannehill
After taking time away from the sport last season, Tannehill might be ready to return to action. If he’s indeed interested in making a comeback, the Vikings seem like a good fit for the 36-year-old.
Much has been made of Tannehill once saying he didn’t think he was his job to be a mentor to young quarterback Malik Willis. Those comments came when Tannehill himself was still the starter for the Tennessee Titans.
Now that Tannehill is at a different chapter in his career, he might relish the opportunity to help McCarthy reach his full potential.
Joe Flacco
If the Vikings are simply looking for somebody who knows their role, Flacco would come with very little drama. Would it be the sexiest signing? No. Would it bring words of wisdom to the locker room? Yes.
After serving as the backup with the Indianapolis Colts last season, the 40-year-old was a sounding board for maligned quarterback Anthony Richardson, and also showed the ability to come in and win a game in a pinch.
There’s already a connection in place as Flacco and O’Connell were prospects in the same draft class. That familiarity with each other could help bridge the gap when it comes to contract negotiations.
Carson Wentz
No longer viewed as a starter at this point in his career, Wentz most recently served as the backup to superstar quarterback Patrick Mahomes. That in and of itself could provide some value as the 32-year-old searches for his next destination.
Maybe the most appealing part about Wentz, however, is that he experienced the highs and lows of being a face of the franchise when he was with the Philadelphia Eagles. The lessons that Wentz learned on that roller coaster ride could help McCarthy navigate the process of stepping into the spotlight with the Vikings.
Kirk Cousins
It’s highly unlikely that Cousins ends up back with the Vikings based on everything that would have to happen.
It would require 1) the Atlanta Falcons cutting him, which, as of right now, they have said they don’t want to do, and 2) the Vikings having interest in a reunion that would be filled with awkwardness.
The only way this becomes a discussion worth having is if the 36-year-old hits the open market and is free to sign with whoever he wants.
Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell, right, and Miami Dolphins quarterback Teddy Bridgewater (5) greet each other after an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 16, 2022, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)
Teddy Bridgewater
Let’s get weird.
After winning a state championship as the head coach at Miami Northwestern High School, Bridgewater came out of retirement and shockingly signed with the Detroit Lions towards the end of last season, and was called into brief duty during Detroit’s Divisional Round loss to Washington.
Would the 32-year-old be open to the idea of signing with the team that drafted him once upon a time? If the Vikings are looking for somebody off the wall to pair with McCarthy, they might want to at least consider making Bridgewater say, “No.”
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