Our Predictions for the Vikings QB Addition in the Offseason
When the calendar turns to the offseason on January 5th, the Minnesota Vikings will likely acquire a new quarterback via free agency or trade, a player to pair with J.J. McCarthy, who has struggled to stay on the field due to injuries. Our writers have predictions for that new passer’s identity.
This isn’t one hot take. Instead, it’s a read on where Minnesota is most likely to shop, what type of quarterback fits the McCarthy plan, and which names actually match the front office’s risk tolerance.
The Vikings certainly aren’t “done” with McCarthy — far from it — but it just doesn’t seem like the organization will roll into 2026 with a contingency plan of Max Brosmer or Carson Wentz. More is required.
What Our Vikings Writers Expect at Quarterback in the 2026 Offseason
Sizing up the quarterback addition in the offseason.
1. Spencer Ratter
Predictor: Wes Johnson
Rattler seems to have fallen out of favor with the coaching staff in New Orleans (who didn’t draft him) in favor of rookie Tyler Shough. Rattler coming out of the same class as McCarthy should be cheap enough to get and be able to provide some push in camp.
2. Marcus Mariota
Predictor: Henrique Gucciardi
There’s a good chance the Commanders will try to keep Mariota in their building, as Jayden Daniels had some injury problems himself. If he leaves, though, he would provide an experienced voice in the QB room and better play if needed.
3. Kenny Pickett
Predictor: Kyle Joudry
Kenny Pickett is added as a still-young passer chosen in Round 1 not too long ago. He is tasked with pushing for the top spot, even as MIN’s leadership wants a healthy, improving McCarthy to remain the top choice.
4. Malik Willis
Predictor: Ali Siddiqui
Willis has proven to be a solid backup and shouldn’t be too costly. He’d also do a very good job pushing J.J. McCarthy for the starting job.
5. Joe Burrow
Predictor: Ted Schwerzler
The Vikings need to go big game hunting this offseason. J.J. McCarthy can start again when he proves he is worthy of taking the job. Daniel Jones would have been ideal if he were healthy. Go make the call on Burrow, team him up with Justin Jefferson, and enjoy the results.
6. Will Levis
Predictor: Dustin Baker
Levis is a little ornery and wild, but he’ll need an NFL home before too long. He’s buried on the Tennessee Titans’ injury reserve list, and his next team can trade for him rather easily, probably for a 6th- or 7th-Round pick. Minnesota has plenty of those.
The 26-year-old may still have some strong-armed upside, with an affordable rookie contract to boot. In addition to Levis — who may be outright waived because Cam Ward has the QB1 job for the long haul — the Vikings could also re-sign Carson Wentz, for example, as the QB3.
7. Joe Flacco
Predictor: Janik Eckardt
The Vikings need insurance for J.J. McCarthy in case his on-field struggles or injuries continue to pile up. Flacco isn’t getting any younger, but he’s been reliable over the last few years, and his stint with the Bengals (13 TDs, 4 INTs) proved that he can be effective with explosive receivers.
t8. Mac Jones
Predictor: Cole Smith
The Vikings will take a similar path to the one they followed a few years ago when they acquired Sam Darnold. They get Mac Jones from the 49ers, giving up draft capital to ensure they have a capable veteran who can provide a baseline level of play if McCarthy can’t develop or stay healthy.
The move keeps the books in check without sacrificing the future, but gives you enough of a floor to where you feel good if everything else goes wrong.
t8. Mac Jones
Predictor: Sean Borman
If the Vikings are seeking a true competition with J.J. McCarthy, Mac Jones makes sense. He had a career resurgence in San Fran under Kyle Shanahan, has a low cap hit, and could follow the San Darnold path in going from the 49ers to the Vikings with the hopes of earning a big contract in free agency.
The Vikings have good memories from Darnold’s time in purple and the comp pick that resulted from it. Another interesting option is Anthony Richardson. It’s tough to say how much competition he’d provide, or what his actual ceiling is, but perhaps O’Connell could unlock Richardson’s full potential
t10. Jimmy Garoppolo
Predictor: Adam New
I’m not sold that the Vikings will go big on a new starter for the 2026 season. J.J. McCarthy will at least get the opportunity to show growth, but there has to be a better Plan B than Max Brosmer. It’s slim pickings in free agency next year, but one guy who can offer competent play in the short term if McCarthy is a disaster is Jimmy Garoppolo.
t10. Jimmy Garoppolo
Predictor: Tony Schultz
Looking at the possibilities according to Spotrac, it isn’t exactly a plethora of high-end backups. Old guys and retreads litter the list. There are some better choices than others, though. I feel Wentz was a one-year experiment unless his failings were due to coming in late with no training camp.
If I had to target someone, it would be Jimmy Garoppolo, who can start in a pinch and maybe longer if needed. The only other one who intrigues me is Zach Wilson. Another guy stuck on bad franchises. Maybe Kevin O’Connell can whisper another former bust back to prominence.
t10. Jimmy Garoppolo
Predictor: Josh Frey
The Vikings need to be able to stick a veteran quarterback behind J.J. McCarthy in case he misses time due to injury in 2026. Garoppolo’s most recent stretch of consistent starting play wasn’t great, but it came with a bad Las Vegas Raiders team. He has plenty of experience in a Kyle Shanahan offense, and Kwesi Adofo-Monday was in San Francisco’s front office while Garoppolo was there. The connection and fit make sense.
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