The Minnesota Vikings have entered the second week of their offseason, following a year-end press conference and a period during which the league showed interest in some of their coaching staff. This week”s discussions have primarily focused on the quarterback position, especially given that the current starter has missed 70% of games over the past two seasons due to injuries.
This week”s rumors fall into two categories: ambitious trades that could change the franchise”s trajectory and more realistic options involving a veteran backup to support J.J. McCarthy.
Rumor has it that no one within the Vikings organization has dismissed the possibility of a significant quarterback trade. Reports suggest that the notion of a blockbuster deal continues to circulate, gaining traction. ESPN analyst Kevin Seifert mentioned during an appearance on KFAN that he found no resistance when probing for opinions on pursuing quarterbacks like Joe Burrow or Lamar Jackson. Instead, he encountered a willingness to entertain such possibilities.
“I could not find anyone to tell me that they definitely don”t want to pursue a Joe Burrow or Lamar Jackson or whoever else might shake loose in terms of a guy that would absolutely come in here as the unquestioned starter,” Seifert explained.
This presents two scenarios: either there is genuine interest in such a trade, or those Seifert spoke with were simply allowing the idea to persist without any intent to quash it. The Vikings are facing salary cap challenges, estimated at $30 million to $40 million over the limit, necessitating cuts and restructures to achieve compliance. Although the team has accumulated a significant amount of draft capital, with around nine picks in 2026, the financial implications of a major trade would still be substantial. Acquiring a player of Burrow or Jackson”s caliber would likely require multiple first-round picks.
Alternatively, the Vikings would be content if J.J. McCarthy can remain healthy and develop into a franchise quarterback, rendering these discussions moot. However, until that happens, the possibility for a trade remains open.
Rumor also suggests that Marcus Mariota could be a sensible choice as the 2026 backup quarterback. Mariota has now entered the Vikings” offseason rumor circuit, as noted by Sportnaut“s Matt Johnson. He pointed out that the Vikings are unlikely to chase after a quarterback who would pose a serious challenge to McCarthy in training camp, preferring instead to acquire a veteran like Mariota.
“What Kevin O”Connell wants is a veteran who can, if needed, come off the bench and play effectively within the structure of the offense,” Johnson stated.
Mariota”s recent performance supports this notion. Over 14 games, he achieved a passer rating of 93.4, with a touchdown-to-interception ratio of 14 to 7, a completion rate of 63.8%, and an average of 7.6 yards per attempt. His ability to extend plays and escape pressure aligns well with the needs of the Vikings. Johnson added that if McCarthy struggles, Mariota could provide a boost to the offense.
Lastly, the possibility of Justin Herbert joining the Vikings has re-emerged, particularly following his playoff struggles. Clutch Points” Bailey Bassett included Minnesota as a potential destination for Herbert, highlighting the uncertainty surrounding both teams” quarterback situations. He noted, “A Justin Herbert trade to the Minnesota Vikings could work. The Minnesota Vikings drafted J.J. McCarthy 10th overall in 2024. Through two seasons, injuries have limited him to just 10 games.”
Bassett suggested that while McCarthy has potential, the Vikings may be reconsidering their decision to select him over retaining Sam Darnold. With a strong defense and elite receiver Justin Jefferson on the roster, the Vikings are on the cusp of contention with the right quarterback. “Kevin O”Connell is a playcalling genius. With O”Connell”s offensive mind, the Herbert-led Vikings” offense would become elite,” he continued.
Trade theories involving Herbert are not new. His name has frequently surfaced in Minnesota discussions, especially since Jim Harbaugh took over in Los Angeles, as many believe he would welcome a reunion with McCarthy, his star quarterback at Michigan. Whether any of these potential trades will materialize remains to be seen.
