The Minnesota Vikings need to find another quarterback option to complement or compete with J.J. McCarthy.
After Sam Darnold left for the Seattle Seahawks, the New York Jets released Aaron Rodgers, and there was a focus on bringing him in. Minnesota decided to stick with McCarthy as the starting quarterback and move on from Rodgers.
Minnesota considered other options, but it appears they missed one major choice that could have made a difference.
ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter reported Friday morning that the Cleveland Browns signed veteran quarterback Joe Flacco to a one-year, $4 million contract that can be worth up to $13 million. Schefter added that the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Vikings both spoke with Flacco before deciding to return to Cleveland.
Flacco is entering his 18th season in the NFL after starting his first 11 with the Baltimore Ravens. He led the Ravens to a Super Bowl title in 2013, where he was also named MVP of the game. While playing for the Browns in 2023, Flacco won Comeback Player of the Year after filling in for Deshaun Watson and leading Cleveland to the postseason
The Vikings must rethink who to bring in as a third quarterback. Brett Rypien is the only other quarterback listed besides McCarthy.
There’s always the option to bring in Rodgers to start, but the Vikings are ready to start the future now with McCarthy, and all signs point towards Rodgers signing with the Steelers soon. Other options in free agency include Carson Wentz and Drew Lock to back up McCarthy or at least push him in training camp.
The NFL Draft also provides some options, but that would most likely not happen until the later rounds. Minnesota only has four picks, and the team’s first and third round picks will be at other positions of need, like secondary, defensive line, or offensive line. Their fifth or sixth round picks could be a quarterback, depending on how many picks they can pick up from trades if they make them.
While the quarterback position isn’t a significant problem now, adding another backup option still makes a lot of sense months before training camp begins.
