The writing has been on the wall as quarterback J.J. McCarthy has struggled with a wide array of problems since taking over as the starter for the Vikings.

Not only has he left something to be desired with his accuracy, or lack thereof, he also has been unable to stay on the field because of various injuries.

There are enough questions about McCarthy that the Vikings appear destined to bring in some form of competition this offseason.

A recent report from The Athletic stated that the Vikings plan to “explore established options via trade or free agency” as something of an insurance policy in light of McCarthy’s early struggles.

Here are some of the routes the Vikings could take:

Minnesota Vikings linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel (43) tackles Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) in the fourth quarter of an NFL game at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis on Sunday, Nov. 9, 2025. The Ravens beat the Vikings, 27-19. (John Autey / Pioneer Press)

Option 1: A true franchise quarterback

The names in this category are all likely nothing more than a pipe dream. They are bona fide stars at the position that would only be available if their current teams were looking to kickstart a rebuild for some reason. To get a deal done, the Vikings would have to be willing to trade a king’s ransom.

Joe Burrow: This became a talking point solely based on Burrow’s interactions with local reporters over the past couple of months. His melancholy demeanor in the public eye sparked rumors about his future with the Cincinnati Bengals. That type of big swing would instantly make the Vikings legitimate contenders.

Lamar Jackson: The potential availability of Jackson is similar to that of Burrow, born out of perceived discontent with his current situation. The fact that the Baltimore Ravens recently fired head coach John Harbaugh, however, seems to suggest they’re moving forward with Jackson at the lifeblood of the team. That doesn’t bode well for a blockbuster deal with the Vikings.

Justin Herbert: What if the Los Angeles Chargers lose in spectacular fashion this weekend? That would mean Herbert is still without a playoff win despite all his success. Would that be enough for the Chargers to considering making a change? It’s something the Vikings should be monitoring closely.

Kyler Murray #1 of the Arizona Cardinals is sacked by D.J. Wonnum #98 of the Carolina Panthers at State Farm Stadium on Sept. 14, 2025 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images)

Option 2: A former franchise quarterback

The names in this category will be available via trade or free agency. They are proven commodities that could benefit from a change of scenery. The upshot here is that the Vikings would have to move forward with them as the unquestioned starter.

Kyler Murray: There’s a chance Murray hits the open market based on how everything played out over the past few months. He was benched by the Arizona Cardinals, a controversial move that effectively tanked Murray’s trade value. If both sides are looking for a fresh start, cutting Murray might be the best option despite the salary cap ramifications. If that happens, the Vikings could show interest.

Daniel Jones: After turning down an offer from the Vikings a little more than 10 months ago, Jones is in position to hit free agency once again. He was balling out for the Indianapolis Colts before suffering a torn Achilles tendon. Though he’s still working through the recovery process, Jones should garner interest from a handful of teams. Would the the Vikings be willing to commit to somebody coming off such a significant injury?

Malik Willis #2 of the Green Bay Packers looks to pass during a game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lambeau Field on Sept. 15, 2024 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The Packers defeated the Colts 16-10. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)

Option 3: A young quarterback that could win the job

The names in this category come with inherent risk because of how their careers have played out to this point. It’s also a mixed bag as far as what it would take to acquire them. If the Vikings want them to win a competition in training camp, they would almost certainly enter with the upper hand.

Mac Jones: You have to wonder if Jones regrets not betting on himself. If he were a free agent this spring, he would be in line for a massive pay raise. Instead, he’s still under contract with the San Francisco 49ers, making it hard to find a world in which he plays anywhere else in the short term. If the Vikings wanted to acquire him, they would have to trade significant draft capital. They aren’t really in position to do that.

Malik Willis: After flaming out with the Tennessee Titans, Willis has completely repaired his image with the Green Bay Packers. He’s proven to be a reliable backup that can win games in a pinch. Can he be a effective starter now that he has some experience under his belt? That’s something the Vikings will have to gauge if they decide to go down that road.

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins (18) makes a pass attempt during an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Thursday, Dec 11, 2025, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Peter Joneleit)

Option 4: A veteran quarterback that could win the job

The names in this category would be polarizing, to say the least. These are players past their prime who would come with a defined ceiling. This would also be an admission of fault from the Vikings because they would be changing course in order to establish short-term stability at the position.

Kirk Cousins: It would be a storybook closing of the loop for Cousins. After getting the bag to sign with the Atlanta Falcons, Cousins could attempt to finish what he started with the Vikings. Reports that Cousins recently restructured his contract made the possibility of him returning to Minnesota feel more realistic than ever.

Aaron Rodgers: After he finishes up his playoff run with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Rodgers will probably contemplate retirement. That doesn’t necessarily mean Rodgers will fade away without fanfare. If he remains unsigned, and the Vikings still don’t have a solution at the most important position on the field, it could set up a marriage that has been a couple of decades in the making.

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