JUST-IN; Veteran Leadership at a Bargain: Vikings Linked to $195 Million Award-Winning Top Experience QB in Stunning Free Agency Move

Even if J.J. McCarthy is named the Minnesota Vikings’ starting quarterback in 2025, the team may need more experienced depth behind him than what Brett Rypien offers. This is where Ryan Tannehill could step in to provide much-needed support for the Vikings.

Tannehill, a former wide receiver turned quarterback, was selected by the Miami Dolphins as the No. 8 overall pick in the 2012 draft. At 37 years old, Tannehill is one of the younger veteran options available for the Vikings.

According to Star Tribune’s Ben Goessling, a veteran quarterback is certainly on the Vikings’ radar this offseason. They are looking for a reliable backup in case McCarthy faces injuries again or if he’s not fully ready to take on the starting role.

While the pool of veteran quarterbacks is shrinking, Goessling suggests keeping an eye on Tannehill and Joe Flacco as potential options for the Vikings. Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio also reported that Flacco is “in play” for the Vikings.

Tannehill was speculated as a potential option for Minnesota last year before they signed Sam Darnold, and he has a strong resume, including being named the 2019 AP Comeback Player of the Year. In 2023, Tannehill threw for 1,616 yards, 4 touchdowns, and 7 interceptions in 10 games for the Tennessee Titans.

However, Tannehill’s past raises some questions. He made headlines in 2022 by stating it was “not my job to mentor” Malik Willis, which led to some tension with the Titans. Tannehill was later benched in favor of rookie Will Levis.

Despite these controversies, Goessling notes that Tannehill could be a fit for the Vikings, especially given that he and McCarthy share the same agent. This connection could help pave the way for Tannehill to join Minnesota.

Tannehill may also come at a bargain price. After his four-year, $118 million contract with the Titans expired, he was left unsigned, and with $195 million in career earnings, he may be more focused on competing for a starting job than securing a high-paying deal. McCarthy, recovering ahead of schedule from a torn meniscus, is expected to be the starter for the Vikings in 2025, but Tannehill would provide a reliable backup if needed. With McCarthy still unproven in the system, Tannehill could offer the Vikings a solid fallback option.