The Minnesota Vikings need a new quarterback. While J.J. McCarthy is slated to be the Vikings’ starting QB when the 2025 NFL season kicks off, now Minnesota needs a new backup after Sam Darnold, Daniel Jones and Nick Mullens all signed elsewhere in free agency.
While the team has reportedly considered adding Aaron Rodgers, his visit with the Pittsburgh Steelers indicates the four-time NFL MVP is making other plans. So, what other quarterback do the Vikings have in their plans?
Related: 2025 NFL mock draft: Who should the Vikings draft in the first round?
The Minnesota Vikings appear to want a highly experienced veteran backup quarterback to pair with 22-year-old J.J. McCarthy. Aaron Rodgers looks poised to move on, likely landing a strongly defined starting role on another team.
Russell Wilson doesn’t appear to be in the picture in Minnesota, as the former Super Bowl winner will also try to find a more solidified starting role. That leaves, who exactly?
According to Fox Sports’ NFL insider Jordan Schultz, the Vikings have “had discussions” with free agent quarterback Ryan Tannehill. Now 36 years old, the former Miami Dolphins and Tennessee Titans quarterback spent the 2024 season out of football, but he was willing to join a team if the perfect opportunity presented itself.
Are the 2025 Vikings the perfect opportunity? On paper, they have one of the strongest rosters in football. Add Tannehill, a one-time Pro Bowler with a career interception rate of just 2.4%, would give the Vikings depth at the most important position in the sport. Plus, he wouldn’t have to worry about playing for a bad coach, a poor scheme or in an offense that lacks playmakers.
In some senses, the Vikings do present the perfect opportunity, but Tannehill reportedly really enjoys his time in Nashville, and it’s not like they’re offering him a starting role either. Still, there’s enough reason for both sides to continue their negotiations this offseason.
