Former Louisiana State University teammates, Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9), left, and Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (18) great each other at the conclusion of a Week 15 NFL football game between the Minnesota Vikings and the Cincinnati Bengals, Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023, at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati. The Cincinnati Bengals won 27-24 in overtime.

As the Vikings need another quarterback option for the 2026 campaign that can challenge or even replace J.J. McCarthy, several names have come up in the conversation. Among those are three players under contract with other teams: Joe Burrow, Kirk Cousins, and Mac Jones.

What does the latest reporting say about their availability in the upcoming month? Each option represents a different path — trade, free agency, or unlikely blockbuster — but all reflect the uncertainty surrounding Minnesota’s quarterback plans.

Mac Jones

Nov 16, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Mac Jones (10) warms up in the second half against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-Imagn Images

49ers quarterback Jones has played for three different franchises over the last three seasons, backing up Trevor Lawrence in 2024 after his Patriots chapter ended, and Brock Purdy in 2025. He has been vocal about his intention of returning to the starting lineup.

On Saturday, The Athletic’s Dianna Russini released some intel about his future: “For teams looking to swing a deal for 49ers backup QB Mac Jones, I’m told San Francisco is not looking to part with the 2021 first-rounder. Things and offers can change, but the 49ers’ preference is to keep their Brock Purdy-Jones tandem intact for 2026. Jones’ 5-3 record as a starter amid the team’s major injury struggles helped keep San Francisco afloat, and Kyle Shanahan loves what he has in the 27-year-old.”

Jones played well during Purdy’s absence, keeping the 49ers in the divisional race by throwing for 13 touchdowns and only 6 interceptions while completing 69.6% of his passes. According to Russini, Jones is not available at this point; that’s something a Day 2 pick could potentially change

The 2021 first-rounder has shown enough over the last couple of seasons to have earned another chance to compete for a starting job.

Kirk Cousins

Dec 8, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins (18) and Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold (14) talk after the game at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images

Longtime Vikings quarterback Cousins has likely reached the end of his tenure in Atlanta. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported on Saturday that the Falcons are expected to release him before the start of the new league year. Cousins would then be able to choose his next employer.

After coming off a season with a 5-3 record in 8 starts and throwing twice as many touchdowns and interceptions, Cousins still appears to have some juice left, though it might be far-fetched to expect him to play up to what he used to do in his sleep, putting up 30 touchdowns and 4,000 yards in a season.

As a mentor and fill-in starter, Cousins remains a strong option, and he’s likely gettable as a free agent in March. His familiarity with the coaching staff and receivers makes him an intriguing option.

Joe Burrow

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow runs away from Buffalo Bills defensive end AJ Epenesa and gets off a pass during first-half action at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park on Dec. 7, 2025.

While a change of scenery for Jones and Cousins remains a strong possibility, Burrow’s future still appears to be in Cincinnati, despite his concerning comments last season.

Russini is just the latest of several reporters who claim he’s going nowhere, writing on Saturday, “Despite the hopes and dreams of Minnesota Vikings fans, the Cincinnati Bengals have no intention of trading Joe Burrow — to Minnesota or anywhere else.”

Quarterbacks of Burrow’s level rarely become available. He’s just 13 months removed from finishing an MVP-caliber season with over 4,900 yards, 43 TDs and 9 INTs.

Of course, the Vikings should give the Bengals a call to make sure, but a reunion of former LSU stars Burrow and Justin Jefferson is highly unlikely at this point. If the Bengals change their mind, the Vikings would have to part with significant draft capital and potentially a player or two.

Editor’s Note: Information from PFF, Over The Cap, and Sports Reference helped with this article.