Familiar Name Floated as QB Option for Vikings
A few months ago — and even in 2024 when Sam Darnold encountered a brief rocky patch — veteran quarterback Ryan Tannehill galavanted in the Minnesota Vikings’ rumor mill.
A new theory claims one oft-mentioned veteran quarterback as a possible contingency option for the Vikings this season. The man is no stranger to Vikings offseason discourse.
Then, Minnesota used this offseason to promote J.J. McCarthy, trade for Sam Howell, re-sign Brett Rypien, and sign undrafted free agent Max Brosmer. All Tannehill theories hit the back burner.
Until this week, thanks to The Athletic‘s Alec Lewis.
Ryan Tannehill Suggested as Emergency Option for Vikings
Lewis published a mailbag article this week, and among answers to several questions, he detailed the Vikings’ quarterback options if the team fell out of love with Sam Howell, the current QB2.
He explained, “There aren’t an abundance of alternatives. If the Vikings soured on Howell, they could try to sway longtime starter Ryan Tannehill. Plucking Kirk Cousins from the Falcons is another break-glass-in-case-of-emergency possibility. Daniel Jones would’ve occupied this spot if the Vikings had their way from the outset, so as long as Howell comes close to that level, they may be satisfied.”
Cousins also snuck in the conversation. If the Vikings finagled a reunion with Cousins, general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah would have to trade draft capital for the veteran signal-caller, a situation that seems unlikely.
Lewis remarked on the backup quarterback spot, on the whole: “Here’s what this question is really asking: How much faith do you have in Sam Howell? Head coach Kevin O’Connell and the coaching staff love Brett Rypien’s input in the room. Undrafted signee Max Brosmer is similarly intelligent.”
“Neither has the athletic talent or playing experience of Howell, who threw for nearly 4,000 yards in 17 starts in 2023. Spring practice only reveals so much, but Howell’s arm talent is inarguable. The questions lay in his field vision, decision-making and accuracy. O’Connell might believe that he and the Vikings’ offense could mitigate any potential risks those qualities could cause.”
Examining additional quarterback options for the current Vikings squad is probably moot: McCarthy, Howell, Rypien, and Brosmer are plenty.
“In that way, Howell might not be crazily dissimilar from Sam Darnold. Whether that presents a high enough floor or not — for a team as committed to winning in 2025 as Minnesota is — warrants contemplation,” Lewis concluded.
Why Ryan Tannehill Allegedly Remains on Minnesota’s Radar
The theory suggests that the Vikings could target Tannehill due to his experience, style, and insurance qualities if a quarterback injury affects the summer.
A Bevy of Injuries Would Be Necessary
Tannehill or Cousins would quickly turn into insurance policies for Howell if an injury beset McCarthy once again. McCarthy missed the 2024 season after tearing his meniscus in August 2024, but he’s battled back valiantly to earn the starter’s job — at least presumptively — this offseason and summer.
If McCarthy is good to go, there’s really no reason to spitball Tannehill or Cousins theories. Why? Well, if the Vikings wanted Tannehill instead of Howell, they could’ve signed him at any time in the last six months.
As for Cousins, he’s been on the trade block for months, too.
Tannehill May Be Retired?
It’s also worth noting that Tannehill’s NFL career could be finished. He’s 36 and didn’t play last year.
Quarterbacks over 35 who electively take a year off rarely come back to the big leagues, and almost never as a team’s QB1 solution. When it’s all said and done, in five years, for instance, folks might look back and realize that Tannehill’s final season occurred in 2023.
Non-Tannehill Alternatives if Applicable?
Suppose Vikings football does get there, needing another experienced quarterback, but the club doesn’t fancy Tannehill or Cousins.
These free-agent options live on the open market as of June 23rd:
- Carson Wentz
- Teddy Bridgewater
- C.J. Beathard
- Tyler Huntley
- Desmond Ridder
- Jaren Hall
More Ryan Tannehill Buzz
Last month, SI.com linked Tannehill to the New Orleans Saints as a fallback plan in case Tyler Shough or Spencer Rattler are not deemed fit for QB1 responsibilities in 2025.
Jeremy Brener wrote, “Ryan Tannehill called the Tennessee Titans home from 2019-23 when he was their starting quarterback. Tannehill didn’t play in the 2024 season, but he turns 37 in July and is looking for one more chance with a team.”
“Tannehill is still looking for a new team, and although he may not be the best option to play given the fact that he didn’t suit up last season, he can still offer a lot of guidance to a young quarterback room.”
In all likelihood, the Saints will roll with Shough and call it good. Those are the stakes when drafting a 26-year-old rookie passer. The man pretty much must be game-ready.
“The Saints are Tannehill’s likeliest option considering the fact that Derek Carr retired over the weekend and the team could benefit from a veteran. The Pittsburgh Steelers also make sense with former Titans offensive coordinator Arthur Smith in the same position with the team,” Brender continued.
“The chances of Tannehill signing are slim at this point, but the former Titans quarterback is still available, waiting for one last shot before hanging his cleats up.”
Tannehill will turn 37 next month and is older than Cousins by three weeks.
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