It’s pretty clear after talking to a wide range of people at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis last week that the Vikings are going to add a quarterback in the near future.

Though they aren’t ready to completely punt on J.J. McCarthy, they want to see if competition brings out the best in the young QB.

“We’ve got to make up for some lost time,” head coach Kevin O’Connell said of McCarthy, who has played only 10 of 34 games in his career because of injuries. “It’s going to be about that competition being a catalyst for making up on some of that lost time.”

Who exactly fits that mold for the Vikings? The market will dictate the options at their disposal.

“We’re not going to try to manufacture anything that’s not there,” acting general manager Rob Brzezinski. “We’re going to do what’s in the best interest in the Vikings in 2026 and beyond.”

That might rule out a big name like, say, Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow. You can’t trade for somebody that isn’t available. It doesn’t matter how trendy the idea itself has been on social media.

Some of the most notable names that popped up in casual conversation at the NFL Combine included the Arizona Cardinals’ Kyler Murray, Atlanta’s Kirk Cousins, New Orleans’ Derek Carr, and Indianapolis’ Anthony Richardson, among others.

Here’s a breakdown of those options with free agency looming in a couple of weeks:

Kyler Murray

If the Cardinals are unable to move Murray, they could be forced to release him. That would make him an option for the Vikings.

Why it makes sense: The theoretical ceiling is higher with Murray than with anybody else. He already has been a top 10 quarterback in his career, and if he can reach that level again, the sky could be the limit for the Vikings. He has a unique skillset with his ability to impact the game with his arm and his legs. He probably represents the biggest swing that could be available on the open market.

Why it doesn’t make sense: It can’t be overlooked that Murray recently got benched because of his erratic play. He has existed as a bit of an enigma both on and off the field. He can be marvelous and maddening. Sometimes in the same series. The inconsistency could be enough to make the Vikings look elsewhere given the fact that they seem to be looking for stability more than anything else.

Kirk Cousins

It has been confirmed that the Falcons plan to release Cousins ahead of free agency. The history with the Vikings could make it a good fit, assuming there’s mutual interest.

FILE – Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins (18) walks off the field after an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints, Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Danny Karnik, File)

Why it makes sense: There’s no doubt Cousins could do the job. Not only has he starred for the Vikings in the past, he also proved capable of moving the chains for the Falcons down the stretch. He would bring a professionalism to the position along with the ability to rip the ball over the middle of the field. Neither should be taken for granted given how everything has gone for the Vikings as of late.

Why it doesn’t make sense: Let’s just say running it back with Cousins wouldn’t be the most inspiring decision by any means. It would feel like going back in time with hopes of finding something comfortable. That’s rarely a recipe for success. Would an aging 38-year-old really make the Vikings a Super Bowl contender? Not a chance.

Derek Carr

Though the Saints technically still have his rights, Carr would only come out of retirement to play for a Super Bowl contender. His name has already been connected to the Vikings by a number of people.

Derek Carr #4 of the New Orleans Saints in action against the Carolina Panthers at Caesars Superdome on Sept. 08, 2024 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

Why it makes sense: Maybe all the time off has helped Carr feel like himself again. After opting for retirement largely due to a lingering shoulder injury, he’s now healthy enough to flirt with the idea of returning. He was a prolific passer at the peak of his powers and could help the Vikings, assuming he’s given enough time to throw. There might be enough gas left in the tank to make his move worth it.

Why it doesn’t make sense: There’s no guarantee Carr will be able to regain his old form. He has been away for long enough that it’s possible he might have lost his touch. Is it smart to bet on somebody that hasn’t thrown a pass in the NFL since December 2024? It’s a pretty big gamble for the Vikings to make.

Anthony Richardson

After the Colts decided to bench him, Richardson has been granted permission to seek a trade. It’s no secret the Vikings were interested in him ahead of the 2023 draft. There reportedly is mutual interest.

Quarterback Anthony Richardson #5 of the Indianapolis Colts holds off Isaiah Oliver #23 of the New York Jets as he scrambles during the fourth quarter at MetLife Stadium on Nov. 17, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)

Why it makes sense: The intrigue of making Richardson the next reclamation project is understandable. He has all the tools needed to be a dynamic player. He simply has to find a way to apply them consistently. The highs have been high. The lows have been low. If the Vikings could help Richardson find some sort of equilibrium, they could reap the benefits for a very long time. That hypothetical is enough to at least kick the tires.

Why it doesn’t make sense: It doesn’t make sense to commit too many resources to Richardson at this point. Especially when the Vikings already have a project on their hands. It’s hard to justify this being an upgrade considering there isn’t much of a difference between Richardson and McCarthy right now. This type of move would require the Vikings to still invest in another veteran QB.

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