Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
If Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell cannot figure out the quarterback position this offseason, it won’t matter how much he and (hopefully) Brian Flores can bring out of the rest of their roster.
And when you really start digging into the QB questions facing this organization — it’s clear outside help needs to be brought in. Just like us, the Vikings can’t tell the future.
What are the MN Vikings going to do at QB this offseason?
They do not know if JJ McCarthy develop fast enough to be ready by fall. And one thing is for sure, Max Brosmer isn’t ready to be an NFL backup. At the very least, the MN Vikings need to enter the 2026 season with a MUCH more legitimate backup QB plan, behind McCarthy.
So… do they call Aaron Rodgers again… maybe take Kyler Murray for a spin? Or how about something bigger, like trading for top-5 QB just entering his 30s, named Joe Burrow?
Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
That may sound crazy, but even Burrow has said recently that he is no longer having fun playing in Cincinnati. Those with their finger on the pulse of the league are being careful, but there’s a lot of chatter right now that Joe Burrow may be available for auction, sooner than later.
It’s important to note that Joe told reporters he can’t really envision himself playing on any other team next season, and the Bengals claim they want to keep him. So as of today, that’s where things stand out East.
But Cincinnati might be the most poorly run franchise in the NFL and insiders across the league wonder how long it’ll be before he reconsiders that stance. Joe Burrow — who has thrown for over 20,000 yards, 152 touchdowns and just 50 interceptions — is already 29 years old.
If he wants to win a ring, at what point does he look in the mirror and realize that some things are just out of his control?
Minnesota Vikings lying in wait on Joe Burrow?
Those are the kinds of questions league insiders like Jonathan Jones (CBS Sports) are asking behind the scenes. And if Joe does decide to change his face, and take matters into his own hands by forcing a trade out of Cincy, the Vikings are once again being mentioned as one of the teams who would likely call.
Sources from multiple teams tell CBS Sports they anticipate several teams will attempt a pursuit of trading for Burrow in the offseason.
“There are probably only a handful [of teams] that would at least make an attempt,” said one NFC front office executive.
Teams that figure to be in the quarterback market include the Raiders, Browns, Jets, Dolphins and Cardinals. The Steelers, Colts, Rams and Vikings could also all be in need of a quarterback depending upon how the early offseason plays out.
The MN Vikings’ five-game win streak has been fun, and there are some instances where they’ve played well enough to beat just about any team in the league.
Then, there are wins like the last few, over opponents whose offenses could not crack Brian Flores’ defense. And let’s be honest, teams like the Jets and Giants aren’t the types of teams to worry about when thinking postseason.
Unreal performance by this #Vikings defense to end the season for the rival #Lions. pic.twitter.com/KfPJStTLeH
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 26, 2025
Related: MN Vikings Star Hits Another Record in Confusing Victory
Once the playoffs start, a dominant defense is only going to get you so far. If the MN Vikings can’t get competent quarterback play next seasons, their chances of winning a Super Bowl will be just as low.
In fact, if the Wilfs, KOC and Kwesi even want to think Super Bowl thoughts, they need to find a quarterback who is better than average. As of December 27, 2025, they do not have that.
As Jones points out in his piece, a lot of franchises would be committing front office malfeasance if Joe Burrow comes available and they do not call to inquire about what it will cost to make a deal. Given what we saw in 2025, that includes the Vikings.
What would it cost the Minnesota Vikings to land Joe Burrow?
Jonathan Jones went briefly into what it would cost to sway Cincinnati into dealing Joe Burrow, who’s currently playing on a five-year, $275 million contract extension.
At the bare minimum, on NFL GM told the insider, the Bengals aren’t picking up the phone for an offer of anything less than two first round picks plus a young quarterback that can get Bengals fans excited about the future.
“Probably depends on if a team has a young QB or players to offer but imagine they won’t even answer the phone if you don’t have at least two first-round picks plus more,” said one NFC front office exec. “Maybe even three if you’re not doing it with any players involved.”
The floor for any such deal would seemingly be the Deshaun Watson trade from 2022. The Browns sent three first-round picks, two second rounders and one third to the Texans to acquire Watson (and a sixth-round pick).
If Kwesi were to call up the Bengals, assuming his offer is competitive with others around the league, the Vikings would have to shoot to the top of Cincinnati’s list of top trade partners.
Why the Vikings make PERFECT sense
Not only do the Vikings have JJ McCarthy to dangle, but Burrow will have a major say in where he winds up, should he storm out on the Bengals. Every QB wants to play for Kevin O’Connell and, without a doubt, Joe would be the Vikings’ missing piece.
Throw Burrow onto this roster, make a few minor adjustments… and poof, the Vikings would instantly be a real Super Bowl contender. Oh, and you may have heard that one of his best friends and former LSU teammates, Justin Jefferson, is already here.
Related: MN Vikings Trying to Talk Player/Coach Harrison Smith Out of Retirement
And when looking at a possible trade from Minnesota’s point of view, what would they really have to lose, even if they have to go nuclear on their draft future with the offer?
Let’s face facts, Kwesi misses more often on draft picks than Shaq did at the free throw line.
Mentioned in this article: Joe Burrow
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