![\"JJ](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/NFL-Minnesota-Vikings-at-New-York-Giants-27864156-scaled-e1769720274728.jpg\")
Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCredit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n
Now that Brian Flores is set to return<\/a> as defensive coordinator, the Minnesota Vikings are fully moving their focus to main offseason objective No. 2, which is fixing the quarterback room.<\/p>\n Hindsight now tells us that the Vikings\u2019 real answer at quarterback was actually already here in 2025. Unfortunately, we don\u2019t have a time machine.<\/p>\n So while head coach Kevin O\u2019Connell and GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah are left picking up the QB pieces<\/a> in Minnesota, Sam Darnold is about to win an MVP and play in a Super Bowl for the Seattle Seahawks.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n That means doing better than Sam Howell, Brett Rypien and Max Brosmer. Shouldn\u2019t be too difficult, right? Time will tell, but Minnesota is starting to sniff around at what their options might be, come February and March.<\/p>\n MN Vikings expected to show interest in two trade target QBs<\/p>\n It\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n And according to Jason Harmon (Sleeper Vikings)<\/a>, who\u2019s 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 \u2014 Mac Jones (49ers) and Anthony Richardson (Colts).<\/p>\n Was able to snag a couple Vikings QB nuggets while in Mobile: <\/p>\n \u2013 The team still has faith in McCarthy but injuries are the main worry. <\/p>\n \u2013 Source with inside knowledge shared Mac Jones is definitely on the Vikings radar, but there are a number of other teams interested.<\/p>\n \u2013 One\u2026<\/p>\n \u2014 Jason Harmon (@JasonHarmonNFL) January 29, 2026<\/a> <\/p>\n Was able to snag a couple Vikings QB nuggets while in Mobile: <\/p>\n \u2013 The team still has faith in McCarthy but injuries are the main worry.<\/p>\n \u2013 Source with inside knowledge shared Mac Jones is definitely on the Vikings radar, but there are a number of other teams interested.<\/p>\n \u2013 One very connected MN source named Anthony Richardson as a likely option as well.<\/p>\n Early in the offseason, things could change, and teams don\u2019t necessarily show their full hands this early, but interesting nonetheless.<\/p>\n @JasonHarmonNFL \u2013 X<\/a><\/p>\n Of course, it\u2019s still possible the MN Vikings move McCarthy in some sort of blockbuster deal<\/a> that lands them a new QB of the present and future \u2014 like, let\u2019s say, Joe Burrow.<\/p>\n 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\u2026 anything is possible.<\/p>\n But given the unlikelihood Cincinnati actually trades their superstar QB, and because of what we\u2019ve seen out of the Vikings\u2019 23-year-old<\/a> quarterback through 10 starts, it\u2019s safest to assume JJ McCarthy will be back in 2026\u2026 and probably on the bench. <\/p>\n Kwesi with Ian Rapoport and Jeremy Fowler. <\/p>\n Wonder what news he\u2019s giving them? \ud83d\udc40 pic.twitter.com\/CDOyCCMrIa<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Jason Harmon (@JasonHarmonNFL) January 27, 2026<\/a> <\/p>\n Mac Jones or Anthony Richardson\u2026?<\/p>\n Landing either Richardson or Jones as McCarthy\u2019s possible replacement has its pros and cons.<\/p>\n Anthony Richardson was once a top four pick and, like McCarthy, he\u2019s only 23 years old<\/a>. But the Colts QB has yet to show he can play in the NFL, let alone lead a team through the playoffs.<\/p>\n In 17 appearances (15 starts), Richardson has amassed<\/a> 2400 yards, 11 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. He\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n 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\u2026 pic.twitter.com\/4YsZPqtGN7<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 coachkou (@coachkou) January 23, 2026<\/a> <\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Related: Dear MN Vikings, KFAN \u2014 Firing Paul Allen Would Be Stupid<\/a><\/p>\n At 27 years old<\/a>, the former Alabama standout brings 63 games and 57 starts of NFL experience to the table, between three different teams (Patriots, Jaguars, 49ers). He\u2019s thrown for 12,741 yards, 67 touchdowns and 50 interceptions.<\/p>\n Yea yea, the 49ers aren\u2019t playing today but here\u2019s two minutes of Mac Jones smoking the Rams on a random Thursday anyway pic.twitter.com\/7MS4jhJfCa<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 East Bay Chris (@EastBayChris) January 25, 2026<\/a> <\/p>\n There are no questions behind Mac Jones\u2019 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.<\/p>\n But given what the Minnesota Vikings are looking for \u2014 which is a veteran quarterback they are confident can take over if JJ McCarthy isn\u2019t healthy and\/or ready in 2026 \u2014 then Jones probably makes more sense of these two.<\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tMentioned in this article: anthony richardson<\/a> Mac Jones<\/a> NFL Offseason<\/a> NFL Trade Rumors<\/a> <\/p>\n More About:Minnesota Vikings<\/a><\/p>\n Add MinnesotaSportsFan as a preferred source on Google. \t\t\t![\"Sam](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/NFL-San-Francisco-49ers-at-Minnesota-Vikings-24241789-788x525.jpg\")
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