Breaking-News: Significant Move As Vikings Linked to Former Heisman-Winning QB to Pair With J.J. McCarthy – Is a Major Move Coming?

The Minnesota Vikings’ quarterback position is currently in need of reinforcements after the peak of NFL free agency. With Sam Darnold heading to the Seattle Seahawks, Daniel Jones signing with the Indianapolis Colts, and Nick Mullens moving to the Jacksonville Jaguars, the Vikings now only have J.J. McCarthy as their presumed starter, with Brett Rypien as the backup. Minnesota needs to find a reliable backup quarterback, one who could step in as a starter if McCarthy isn’t ready for Week 1 or if an emergency situation arises.

Jones appeared to be the top choice after the Vikings gave him a chance to work with their system late in the 2024 season. However, the team is now searching for options in the second-tier of free agency. There are a few experienced quarterbacks available who are past their prime, but one, in particular, seems to be favored by the Vikings’ front office.

According to KSTP’s Darren Wolfson, Marcus Mariota has long been admired within the Vikings organization. “There are still people in this front office who have been fans of Marcus Mariota for years,” Wolfson said on SKOR North.

Mariota, drafted No. 2 overall in 2015 after winning the Heisman Trophy with Oregon, has a career record of 34-40 as a starter and holds a 90.1 passer rating. As a backup for Washington’s Offensive Rookie of the Year, Jayden Daniels, Mariota played in three games, passing for 364 yards, four touchdowns, and no interceptions.

When Daniels was injured in a Week 18 game against the Dallas Cowboys, Mariota stepped in and led a 23-19 comeback victory, including a game-winning 5-yard touchdown pass to Terry McLaurin with 3 seconds left, securing a playoff berth for Washington.

While the Vikings’ front office appears interested in Mariota, Kevin O’Connell, the team’s head coach, will ultimately have the final say in their decision. The Vikings took risks on first-round reclamation projects like Darnold and Jones last season and could pursue similar options this spring.

Mac Jones could fit that mold, with 49 career starts, while Trey Lance would be more of a developmental project with only five starts. For more veteran options, the Vikings could look at Aaron Rodgers, though other quarterbacks like Russell Wilson, Gardner Minshew, Jacoby Brissett, Taylor Heinicke, and Carson Wentz might be a better fit for the team’s culture.