The Minnesota Vikings are entering the 2025 season with a dramatically different look—especially at quarterback. After a standout 2024 campaign, Sam Darnold has moved on, signing with the Seattle Seahawks. In his place, rookie J.J. McCarthy appears to have earned the starting job as the franchise looks toward the future.
However, the Vikings may have missed a key opportunity to solidify their quarterback room. According to NBC’s Adam Schefter, veteran QB Joe Flacco signed a one-year, $4 million deal to return to the Cleveland Browns. Both the Vikings and the Pittsburgh Steelers reportedly showed interest in Flacco before he chose Cleveland.
Anthony Miller of Athlon Sports noted that Minnesota still needs to find a viable quarterback to either support or challenge McCarthy. While the team considered Aaron Rodgers—recently released by the New York Jets—they ultimately passed, and Rodgers now seems poised to sign with the Steelers.
The 18-year veteran Flacco, a Super Bowl MVP and the 2023 Comeback Player of the Year, could have brought experience and leadership to Minnesota’s quarterback room. With only Brett Rypien backing up McCarthy at the moment, depth remains a concern.
Other options in free agency include Carson Wentz and Drew Lock, who could both serve as experienced backups or even push McCarthy during training camp. The Vikings could also look to the later rounds of the NFL Draft to add a developmental QB, although with only four total picks, they’ll likely prioritize other needs like the secondary or trenches.
While quarterback isn’t a crisis point yet, adding a veteran presence behind McCarthy would be a smart move—especially with months still to go before camp kicks off.
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