The Minnesota Vikings have largely moved past the idea of signing quarterback Aaron Rodgers this offseason—though not entirely.
Speaking to the media on Wednesday, March 26, general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah all but ruled out adding Rodgers to the roster behind or alongside second-year quarterback J.J. McCarthy. While he left a slight opening for the possibility down the line, assuming Rodgers remains unsigned, the message was clear: McCarthy is the team’s expected starter unless something unexpected occurs.
That raises the question of who will serve as McCarthy’s backup as he works to earn the starting role. Currently, Brett Rypien is the only other quarterback on the roster, but it’s unlikely the Vikings will enter the season with him as the No. 2 behind McCarthy, who has yet to take an NFL snap.
Several free-agent quarterbacks remain available, with Joe Flacco emerging as one of the frontrunners—and perhaps the most logical choice—given the league’s current QB landscape.
Vikings Reunion With Kirk Cousins Unlikely After Offseason Developments in Atlanta
ESPN’s Kevin Seifert highlighted Joe Flacco, Carson Wentz, and even a potential reunion with Kirk Cousins as possible quarterback options for the Vikings in a March 19 report. Additionally, Minnesota has held discussions with Ryan Tannehill, who sat out last season while waiting for a starting opportunity.
While each of these quarterbacks could be a fit in theory, there are significant hurdles to bringing them in. Cousins, for instance, remains under contract with the Atlanta Falcons, who opted to keep him on the roster earlier this month by paying a $10 million bonus instead of releasing him into free agency.
If the Falcons maintain that stance, the only way for Minnesota to acquire Cousins would be through a trade—requiring a player and/or draft capital while also taking on up to $27.5 million in salary cap costs for 2025. Given that financial commitment, a reunion with Cousins appears highly unlikely for the Vikings.
Carson Wentz Linked to Browns After Russell Wilson Signs With Giants
Then there’s Carson Wentz, who spent last season as Patrick Mahomes’ backup with the Kansas City Chiefs.
At 32 years old, Wentz is still searching for a starting opportunity. According to Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com, there is mutual interest between Wentz and the Cleveland Browns in a one-year deal that could provide him that chance. However, that agreement was dependent on Russell Wilson signing elsewhere—a move that became official earlier this week when Wilson joined the New York Giants on a one-year contract.
That leaves Ryan Tannehill as another option. A longtime starter with 11 seasons under his belt, Tannehill was once a reliable presence under center. However, there is little precedent for quarterbacks sitting out an entire season (for reasons other than injury) and successfully returning to form.
Tannehill will turn 37 about a month before Week 1, making a resurgence even more uncertain. The Tennessee Titans benched him in favor of Will Levis midway through the 2023 season after he suffered an ankle injury, further casting doubt on his ability to reclaim a significant role.
Joe Flacco Fits Vikings’ Needs Behind J.J. McCarthy
Joe Flacco, though three years older than Ryan Tannehill, has played more recently and with greater success.
In 2023, Flacco led the Cleveland Browns to a 4-1 record down the stretch, helping them secure a playoff berth. The following season, he joined the Indianapolis Colts and started six games (appearing in eight total), even temporarily overtaking second-year quarterback Anthony Richardson—not due to injury, but purely based on performance.
While Indianapolis ultimately reinstated Richardson as the starter, Flacco has proven over the past two seasons that he still has the arm talent to perform when needed. His experience and poise could make him the ideal mentor and insurance policy for J.J. McCarthy in Minnesota.
Additionally, with career earnings exceeding $180 million, Flacco may be willing to sign for a team-friendly deal. Spotrac projects his market value at $3.2 million for a one-year contract, making him an affordable and logical option for the Vikings.
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