Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images
Now that Brian Flores is set to return as defensive coordinator, the Minnesota Vikings are fully moving their focus to main offseason objective No. 2, which is fixing the quarterback room.
Hindsight now tells us that the Vikings’ real answer at quarterback was actually already here in 2025. Unfortunately, we don’t have a time machine.
So while head coach Kevin O’Connell and GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah are left picking up the QB pieces in Minnesota, Sam Darnold is about to win an MVP and play in a Super Bowl for the Seattle Seahawks.
Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images
Obviously, the Vikings are trying to learn from their mistakes last offseason. And to find success in 2026, they must acquire a much better quarterback to pair with JJ McCarthy before training camp.
That means doing better than Sam Howell, Brett Rypien and Max Brosmer. Shouldn’t be too difficult, right? Time will tell, but Minnesota is starting to sniff around at what their options might be, come February and March.
MN Vikings expected to show interest in two trade target QBs
It’s still early, but now that reporters and team executives are coming together for the Senior Bowl in Mobile, AL, the offseason rumor mill is really starting to turn late this week.
And according to Jason Harmon (Sleeper Vikings), who’s on site in Mobile, the purple are already showing interest in two quarterbacks that are on different rosters and would have to be traded for — Mac Jones (49ers) and Anthony Richardson (Colts).
Was able to snag a couple Vikings QB nuggets while in Mobile:
– The team still has faith in McCarthy but injuries are the main worry.
– Source with inside knowledge shared Mac Jones is definitely on the Vikings radar, but there are a number of other teams interested.
– One…
— Jason Harmon (@JasonHarmonNFL) January 29, 2026
Was able to snag a couple Vikings QB nuggets while in Mobile:
– The team still has faith in McCarthy but injuries are the main worry.
– Source with inside knowledge shared Mac Jones is definitely on the Vikings radar, but there are a number of other teams interested.
– One very connected MN source named Anthony Richardson as a likely option as well.
Early in the offseason, things could change, and teams don’t necessarily show their full hands this early, but interesting nonetheless.
Of course, it’s still possible the MN Vikings move McCarthy in some sort of blockbuster deal that lands them a new QB of the present and future — like, let’s say, Joe Burrow.
And hey, we are all praying JJ catches up in his development over the next few months. To be fair, that is the fastest and easiest route to fixing the Vikings quarterback problem. As KG once said… anything is possible.
But given the unlikelihood Cincinnati actually trades their superstar QB, and because of what we’ve seen out of the Vikings’ 23-year-old quarterback through 10 starts, it’s safest to assume JJ McCarthy will be back in 2026… and probably on the bench.
Kwesi with Ian Rapoport and Jeremy Fowler.
Wonder what news he’s giving them? 👀 pic.twitter.com/CDOyCCMrIa
— Jason Harmon (@JasonHarmonNFL) January 27, 2026
Mac Jones or Anthony Richardson…?
Landing either Richardson or Jones as McCarthy’s possible replacement has its pros and cons.
Anthony Richardson was once a top four pick and, like McCarthy, he’s only 23 years old. But the Colts QB has yet to show he can play in the NFL, let alone lead a team through the playoffs.
In 17 appearances (15 starts), Richardson has amassed 2400 yards, 11 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. He’s completed just 50.6% of his passes. What Anthony lacks in passing acumen, he makes up for as a rushing threat, racking up 634 yards and 10 touchdowns on the ground.
I know Im in the minority, but I would love to see someone sign Anthony Richardson and develop an offense to suit his style. Sign Fields as the backup and get really creative. put them on the field together. 2 headed qb run game. That would be interesting to see. Some gun triple… pic.twitter.com/4YsZPqtGN7
— coachkou (@coachkou) January 23, 2026
Meanwhile, Mac Jones represents a much safer option for the Minnesota Vikings this offseason, but he seemingly comes with a much lower ceiling. Jones was drafted No. 15 overall by the Patriots in 2021.
Related: Dear MN Vikings, KFAN — Firing Paul Allen Would Be Stupid
At 27 years old, the former Alabama standout brings 63 games and 57 starts of NFL experience to the table, between three different teams (Patriots, Jaguars, 49ers). He’s thrown for 12,741 yards, 67 touchdowns and 50 interceptions.
Yea yea, the 49ers aren’t playing today but here’s two minutes of Mac Jones smoking the Rams on a random Thursday anyway pic.twitter.com/7MS4jhJfCa
— East Bay Chris (@EastBayChris) January 25, 2026
There are no questions behind Mac Jones’ ability to lead or throw the football. However, he did not enter the league with hype surrounding him like either Richardson or Sam Darnold did. In theory, his ceiling is not as high as either guy.
But given what the Minnesota Vikings are looking for — which is a veteran quarterback they are confident can take over if JJ McCarthy isn’t healthy and/or ready in 2026 — then Jones probably makes more sense of these two.
Mentioned in this article: anthony richardson Mac Jones NFL Offseason NFL Trade Rumors
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