The Minnesota Vikings have expressed interest in experienced veteran quarterbacks to back up J.J. McCarthy, but they may ultimately opt for a younger option depending on the available players.
On March 21, Moe Moton of Bleacher Report suggested a budget-friendly trade scenario, where the Vikings would trade a fifth-round pick to the Tennessee Titans in exchange for former second-round quarterback Will Levis and a sixth-round pick.
NFL insider Josina Anderson reported that the Titans “would like to transition” away from Levis. Moton explained that if McCarthy faces setbacks in his recovery from two meniscus tears or has a difficult offseason, Levis could offer veteran insurance until the Vikings develop their future starting quarterback.
Levis, who has shown some potential during his two years in the NFL, has struggled with ball security and has led the Titans to a 5-16 record across 21 starts. Over this period, he has accumulated 3,899 passing yards, 21 touchdowns, and 16 interceptions, along with 240 rushing yards and one rushing touchdown.
Drafted by the Titans in 2023 with the 33rd overall pick, Levis still has two affordable years left on his rookie contract worth $9.5 million. McCarthy, entering his second season of a four-year, $22 million deal, would form a cost-effective quarterback duo for the Vikings.
This financial flexibility has enabled the team to upgrade both their offensive and defensive lines, as well as re-sign Pro Bowl cornerback Byron Murphy Jr., helping maintain stability in their secondary as it undergoes significant changes between 2024 and 2025.
However, if Levis were needed as a regular-season starter, there are valid concerns about his ability to thrive in that role, based on his struggles in Tennessee. On the other hand, the Vikings’ star-studded offensive roster and the coaching expertise of Kevin O’Connell, who has helped quarterbacks like Josh Dobbs, Nick Mullens, and Sam Darnold succeed in his system, suggest that Levis, at just 25 years old, could improve significantly with extended time in Minnesota’s football culture.
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