The Minnesota Vikings have made it clear that J.J. McCarthy is their quarterback of the future and the frontrunner for the starting job heading into training camp.
However, at the NFL owners’ meetings in Florida, general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah emphasized the team’s need to add more depth to a quarterback room that currently consists only of McCarthy and Brett Rypien—the latter of whom ended last season as the team’s No. 4 quarterback and spent time on the practice squad.
“We want [McCarthy] to be our starting quarterback for a long time,” Adofo-Mensah told NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero. “Obviously, he had an injury and a setback, but we’re excited about everything he’s done from that point, and we’re going to go forward with that. We’re gonna look to obviously always add depth to that room, to upgrade it.”
Aaron Rodgers Appears Off Table for Vikings
Who the Vikings will add at quarterback remains uncertain, but the list of viable options is dwindling.
Minnesota appears to have moved on from the idea of acquiring Aaron Rodgers after briefly considering it late last month. Rodgers remains a free agent despite a standing offer from the Pittsburgh Steelers, who seem to be his only serious option with the Vikings seemingly out of the mix.
With Rodgers off the table, Minnesota is likely looking at veteran quarterbacks who can mentor J.J. McCarthy as he adjusts to an NFL starting role while also providing a capable backup option if he struggles or suffers another injury.
The top remaining veteran options who fit that mold—experienced passers with past success but unlikely to threaten McCarthy’s long-term role—are Ryan Tannehill, Joe Flacco, and Carson Wentz.
Vikings Likely to Look at Veteran QB Behind J.J. McCarthy
Aaron Rodgers is still searching for a starting job, a final big payday, and one last shot at a championship. Similarly, Ryan Tannehill was in the same position last year, opting to remain a free agent all season while waiting for a starting opportunity that never came.
Now 37 this summer, Tannehill has a solid résumé, including a winning record over 12 NFL seasons, roughly 100 more touchdown passes than interceptions, a Pro Bowl appearance, and an AFC Championship Game run. The Vikings have already been in contact with him, though nothing concrete has materialized.
Joe Flacco, 40, is a former Super Bowl champion who started multiple games for the Indianapolis Colts last season and helped lead the Cleveland Browns to a playoff berth the year before. He remains a free agent and intends to play at least one more season.
Carson Wentz, at 32, is the youngest of the group. He spent last season as Patrick Mahomes’ backup with the Kansas City Chiefs.