It has become evident that things have not worked out for the Minnesota vikings this season with JJ McCarthy under center like they were hoping heading into the 2025 season. Instead, the Vikings have seen disappointing play from McCarthy as he has struggled to adjust the the NFL speed, and has struggled at reading defenses, leading to him throwing10 interceptions on the season so far.
The Vikings sit with a 4-7 record, and need for things to change going forward. Between the on-field struggles, and injuries that McCarthy has suffered leading to him missing his entire rookie season, and also playing in just six games this year with also being set to miss their Week 13 matchup as well against the Seattle Seahawks with a concussion, leaves the Vikings with more questions than answers when it comes to their quarterback spot.
In the 2026 NFL offseason, the Vikings need to look for another quarterback solution, and they can do so in a trade with the Indianapolis Colts. The quarterback that Minnesota can trade for is Anthony Richardson.
*THIS IS A PREDICTION, NOT A REPORT*
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The Indianapolis Colts have enjoyed a strong season with Daniel Jones under center for them as their starting quarterback. They currently hold a 8-3 record, and have seen Jones thrive in Shane Steichen’s scheme, accumulating 2,840 yards and 17 touchdowns with just seven interceptions.
With the success the Colts have seen from Daniel Jones, it is clear that their plan this offseason should be to re-sign him. On the flip side, they have a dilemma of what to do now with Anthony Richardson. It was clear last season, though, Richardson had fallen out of favor with Steichen and the coaching staff, so with now having Jones on the roster and succeeding with him as they have, could result in Richardson getting traded this offseason.
If this is the case, the Minnesota Vikings make the most sense to trade for Anthony Richardson.
While Anthony Richardson’s NFL career hasn’t gone as planned since entering the NFL after flashing his athleticism at Florida, he hasn’t necessarily been put in the right system to succeed. With having the ability to learn under Kevin O’Connell, who has shown the ability to turn careers around for quarterbacks that have flashed upside at the NFL level, Richardson would be able to thrive in Minnesota.
For the Vikings, having someone like Richardson take over who has the dual-threat ability and throwing power to reach all three levels is the exact spark they need as well to turn things around in 2026.