Vikings Linked to Popular QB via Trade
The Minnesota Vikings have four quarterbacks in their roster orbit: J.J. McCarthy, Sam Howell, Brett Rypien, and rookie Max Brosmer.
Bleacher Report connected the Vikings to a possible QB trade in its latest article. The proposed fit involves a popular veteran QB who may be on the move. Could the Vikings really strike a deal?
The club seems content with the foursome, but according to Bleacher Report, Minnesota could or should have its eye on New York Giants signal-caller Jameis Winston.
It’s the latest and greatest theory in the Vikings’ rumor mill.
Jameis Winston to Vikings?
Minnesota could have, of course, just signed him as a free agent.
Bleacher Report Suggests Vikings Trade for Jameis Winston
BR’s Kristopher Knox sized up the league’s most covered quarterbacks who could be available via trade, and the teams that should pursue them.
On Winston, Knox wrote, “While Winston may not be completely expendable, a few teams should see if he is available. The 31-year-old does have an alarming turnover problem, but he can still stretch the field and pilot a high-powered passing attack.”
“In one of his seven starts with Cleveland last season, Winston threw for 497 yards, four touchdowns and three interceptions. While Winston can be an effective spot starter and is a tremendous locker room leader, he should most interest teams looking for a dedicated backup and mentor.”
Then, Knox delivered the punchline, with Minnesota as a destination.
“The Minnesota Vikings and Titans would both make sense. While Minnesota did trade for Sam Howell this offseason, it doesn’t have a ton of experience behind second-year quarterback and first-year starter J.J. McCarthy. The Titans, meanwhile, are largely expected to open the season with Ward as their starter,” Knox continued.
“They have some experience in the form of Tim Boyle and Brandon Allen, but they recently lost Levis to a season-ending shoulder injury. Winston could be a helpful mentor to Ward while giving the Titans a high-end backup option. His arm talent would fit with Brian Callahan’s pass-heavy offense. Top Potential Suitors: Minnesota Vikings, Tennessee Titans.”
Is Winston Even on the Trade Block?
Suggesting Winston is on the block in the first place is quite bold. Why? Well, the man is trying to earn a QB1 job for the Giants.
He’s embroiled in a battle with veteran Russell Wilson and rookie Jaxson Dart. Winston, somewhat realistically, could win the competition outright. New York has not placed Winston on the trade block, and at the very least, he’d become a backup option amid the underwhelming-by-NFL-standards trio.
Winston’s availability to other teams is just a Bleacher Report theory in July.
Winston Fits the Kevin O’Connell Modus Operandi
However, Winston is absolutely the type of passer that Kevin O’Connell covets.
In the last four offseasons, O’Connell has traded for, employed, or promoted Nick Mullens and Sam Howell, two men cut from the same cloth. It just so happens that Winston wears those threads, too.
All three fire the ball downfield — often recklessly — unafraid of throwing interceptions and more inclined to throw for mass volume passing yards than keeping the offense underneath. While Winston may not be for sale, if he were, he would fit the profile for O’Connell.
Otherwise, Sam Howell or Bust as QB2
Howell authored a rocky start to training camp last week, but he’s a veteran and will likely bounce back before too long.
Two seasons ago, the former Washington Commander nearly threw for 4,000 passing yards as a starter, only to be run out of town because he took too many sacks and Washington was ready to begin an era with a rookie quarterback. You might know the guy: Jayden Daniels of 2024 NFC Championship fame.
Howell is 25, and it’s more likely that Minnesota will give him an audition at QB2 in 2025 than a trade for Winston.
Other Context on Jameis Winston
Newsweek’s Justin Grasso recently opined on Winston: “Some teams have quarterbacks on the hot seat, without a proven backup. Other teams, unfortunately, experience in-season injuries, which could force them to search for an experienced backup.”
“Winston could certainly be a target for teams in those positions, but one Giants insider suggests the veteran is unlikely to leave the building without a massive offer going to the Giants. A report recently suggested that Winston was initially garnering support as the potential starting quarterback for the Giants in 2025.”
That insider claimed New York would need a “Godfather deal” for Winston’s services, and no team will offer such a trade package for a backup quarterback.
Grasso added, “The signing of Russell Wilson led the head coach Brian Daboll to publicly confirm that Wilson, not Winston, will get the nod to start at the beginning of the year. Even if Winston doesn’t ultimately beat out the rookie Jaxson Dart for the backup position behind Wilson, he brings much more than a skill set and on-field experience.”
“Winston has often been praised for his leadership, especially in recent seasons.”
Winston in purple and gold would be fascinating, but in all likelihood, Minnesota will roll with Sam Howell, Brett Rypien, and Max Brosmer — behind J.J. McCarthy.
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