How Realistic Are the Wild QB Trade Options for Vikings?
When the page is turned for the Minnesota Vikings to the 2026 offseason, acquiring a new quarterback via trade could be on the menu. And social media users haven’t been shy about dreaming big, so here’s a look at the realism of some outrageous trades.
For the 2026 offseason, several outlandish trade ideas are floating around for the Minnesota Vikings at quarterback. Here’s a look at the realism.
Of course, the organization still has J.J. McCarthy to develop. If that plan features no growth in the next month, though, a new passer may be needed. The following quarterbacks are listed in ascending order of realism (No. 1 = smallest dead cap hit via trade for current team).
The Vikings’ Wild QB Wish List — and What’s Realistic
A peek under the hood at dead cap hits.
9. Dak Prescott | DAL
Dead Cap Hit via Trade before 6/1/2026:
$89.9 Million
The Cowboys could be in the process of fundamentally turning their season around, defeating last year’s Super Bowl participants in back-to-back weeks. They probably have to win out to reach the postseason dance, but stranger things have happened.
Let’s assume that doesn’t happen. Theoretically, Dallas could move on from Prescott, 32, in the offseason.
The dead cap hit stands in the way, though, at about $90 million. Offloading Prescott, if applicable, is probably a 2027 offseason talker.
How Likely Is a Trade?
Severely Unlikely
8. Justin Herbert | LAC
Dead Cap Hit via Trade before 6/1/2026:
$72.8 Million
Teensy rumors circulated last offseason about Jim Harbaugh possibly offloading Herbert because he allegedly didn’t need an expensive quarterback to win. Some theories even involved a Herbert trade to Minnesota for the draft pick that would send McCarthy to Los Angeles.
Meanwhile, the Chargers — and Herbert — have a recent history of collapsing in the postseason. Another episode could prompt a reevaluation of Herbert as the long-term starter.
Again, the dead cap hit almost entirely disqualifies the option until the 2027 offseason.
How Likely Is a Trade?
Virtually impossible
7. Joe Burrow | CIN
Dead Cap Hit via Trade before 6/1/2026:
$56.5 Million
Burrow, per some fans, is an option for Minnesota because the Bengals’ front office does dumb things. They’re on the brink of missing the playoffs in back-to-back seasons, chiefly because Burrow’s injury history is spotty, preventing the club from competing for postseason berths.
The only way this idea would come to fruition?
a) Cincinnati’s general manager is stupid.
b) He waits until after June 1st, when Burrow’s dead cap hit is $20.7 million.
Blockbuster summer quarterback trades are rare, for what it’s worth.
How Likely Is a Trade?
Severely Unlikely
6. Baker Mayfield | TB
Dead Cap Hit via Trade before 6/1/2026:
$54.1 Million
Mayfield started the season as a bonafide MVP candidate but has slowed in the last two months. His Buccaneers will probably win the blah NFC South and host a home playoff game.
But what if Tampa Bay flops, dispatched from the postseason by a team like the Wildcard Detroit Lions or San Francisco 49ers? Tampa Bay could turn to the draft before too long, especially if it cuts ties with head coach Todd Bowles.
Mayfield’s dead cap hit after June 1st would be about $20 million.
How Likely Is a Trade?
Mostly Unlikely
5. Trevor Lawrence | JAX
Dead Cap Hit via Trade before 6/1/2026:
$50.5 Million
The Jaguars have a sweet, division-leading 8-4 record in spite of Lawrence, believe it or not.
He ranks 28th of 33 qualifying passers per EPA+CPOE, which is quite horrible — and astonishing. Jacksonville has a new head coach and general manager, and if the Jaguars flame out of the postseason or before it, the leadership group could want “their guy” at quarterback — not the 28th-best guy in the NFL.
Lawrence’s 2026 summer dead cap shrinks to $14.5 million.
How Likely Is a Trade?
Somewhat Unlikely
4. Tua Tagovailoa | MIA
Dead Cap Hit via Trade before 6/1/2026:
$45.2 Million
Tagovailoa has never shown that he can win in big moments in the NFL. And the Dolphins will hire a new general manager next month. Tagovailoa could be shipped elsewhere before too long.
Not for nothing, this idea would probably make most Minnesota fans groan because of Tagovailoa’s disappearing act in big games and his lengthy injury resume.
How Likely Is a Trade?
50/50
3. Sam Darnold | SEA
Dead Cap Hit via Trade before 6/1/2026:
$25.6 Million
You know Darnold is prone to collapsing in crucial moments. He did it twice for the Vikings.
This season, Darnold has already begun to slow down from his September and October pace. He’ll give everyone an almighty verdict when the postseason hits.
Ironically, Seattle could realize that Darnold is faulty when it matters the most, choosing to explore 3rd-Round rookie Jalen Milroe in 2026.
How Likely Is a Trade?
Somewhat Unlikely
2. Kyler Murray | ARI
Dead Cap Hit via Trade before 6/1/2026:
$17.9 Million
The Cardinals may or may not have softly benched Murray in the last few weeks. The messaging from Arizona has done little to combat the theory.
Murray’s time in Arizona feels like it’s nearing an end. He will have to go somewhere via trade or outright release during the offseason. The decision would propel Arizona to draft a rookie quarterback, and it will own a fancy high pick for the task.
If Minnesota retains general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and head coach Kevin O’Connell after the current miserable season, all signs point to Murray as the rescue plan, by the numbers. Financially and from a productivity standpoint.
How Likely Is a Trade?
Very Likely
1. Mac Jones | SF
Dead Cap Hit via Trade before 6/1/2026:
$1.7 Million
Jones balled out for eight games this season with Brock Purdy on the shelf. He did enough to state his case as the NFL’s next big reclamation project in the same vein as Baker Mayfield and Sam Darnold.
However, Jones is a fantastic insurance policy for Purdy’s injury history and sometimes sketchy performance.
Will the 49ers really let one of the best value contracts in the NFL leave the building? They’ll get phone calls, that’s for sure.
How Likely Is a Trade?
50/50
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