The Minnesota Vikings have expressed interest in bringing in experienced veteran quarterbacks to back up J.J. McCarthy. However, the team may ultimately lean toward younger options based on the available talent.
On March 21, Moe Moton of Bleacher Report proposed a budget-friendly trade idea where the Vikings would send a fifth-round pick to the Tennessee Titans in exchange for former second-round QB Will Levis and a sixth-round pick.
“According to NFL insider Josina Anderson, the Titans ‘would like to transition’ from Will Levis,” Moton wrote. “If McCarthy struggles during his recovery from two meniscus tears or has a tough offseason, Levis could serve as reliable veteran insurance until the Vikings groom their future starting quarterback.”
Will Levis Could Revive His Career as Vikings’ Backup QB
Throughout his two-year NFL career, Levis has flashed potential but struggled with ball security. As the Titans’ starter, he posted a 5-16 record over 21 regular-season games, throwing for 3,899 yards, 21 touchdowns, and 16 interceptions. He also added 240 rushing yards and one touchdown on the ground.
The Titans selected Levis 33rd overall in 2023, and he remains under an affordable $9.5 million rookie contract for two more seasons. McCarthy, on the other hand, is entering the second year of his four-year, $22 million deal. Pairing the two quarterbacks would give the Vikings one of the most cost-effective QB rooms in the NFL.
This financial flexibility has allowed Minnesota to improve its offensive and defensive lines during the offseason and re-sign Pro Bowl cornerback Byron Murphy Jr., maintaining some continuity in a secondary expected to undergo significant changes between 2024 and 2025.
While questions remain about Levis’s ability to succeed as a starter, Minnesota’s talented skill players and head coach Kevin O’Connell’s track record — having elevated quarterbacks like Josh Dobbs, Nick Mullens, and Sam Darnold — suggest Levis could make notable progress with more time in the Vikings’ system.
Vikings Also Contacted Ryan Tannehill for Backup QB Role
If a trade for Levis doesn’t materialize, the Vikings have also been in discussions with another former Titans quarterback — Ryan Tannehill.
Tannehill spent all of last season out of football while waiting for a starting opportunity that never came. Although a year away from the game raises some concerns, his lengthy track record of success makes him a viable option for Minnesota’s QB2 spot.
A one-time Pro Bowler with 151 regular-season starts, Tannehill holds an 81-70 career record. He led the Titans to three playoff appearances (2-3) and reached the AFC Championship Game after the 2019 season. Over 11 seasons with the Titans and Miami Dolphins, he has accumulated 34,881 passing yards, 216 touchdowns, and 115 interceptions.
Whether the Vikings opt for the upside of Levis or the experience of Tannehill, the team appears intent on solidifying its quarterback depth behind McCarthy.