The Minnesota Vikings are moving ahead with J.J. McCarthy as their starting quarterback but are also considering a solid veteran backup for a team that’s aiming for success now. Over the weekend, Fox Sports insider Jordan Schultz revealed that the Vikings have been in discussions about possibly signing former Tennessee Titans Pro Bowl QB Ryan Tannehill.
While Tannehill could be a reliable backup, after sitting out the 2024 season, there seems to be no rush for the Vikings to finalize a deal. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport provided some insights into the ongoing internal discussions in Minnesota about acquiring Tannehill.
Rapoport explained on “The Pat McAfee Show” on March 24 that the talks have not been particularly intense. “It’s not like they’re negotiating over $20 million versus $25 million,” he said. “The conversations seem to be more like, ‘Would you be available if we need you?’” Rapoport added that Tannehill, who sat out last season, would likely return for the chance to start with a competitive team and perhaps earn some solid bridge quarterback money. However, he doesn’t believe a deal is imminent, as the Vikings’ main hope is to proceed with McCarthy, a highly talented young QB.
- Ryan Tannehill.
The Vikings officially handed McCarthy the QB1 role for the upcoming spring workouts after halting their talks with Aaron Rodgers last week. While it’s unclear how serious the Rodgers discussions were, Minnesota seems fully committed to the 22-year-old McCarthy as their future.
As for Tannehill, whether he’d be open to a mentoring role is still uncertain. At 36 years old, Tannehill is past his Pro Bowl years, especially his 2019 season when he led the Titans to the AFC Championship. However, he remains a competent quarterback capable of playing in the NFL.
His decision to sit out last season suggests that he’s being selective about his future and may prefer a path that leads to playing time. Tannehill himself mentioned in July 2024, “Maybe a guy goes down and a team gives me a call. I’m not just waiting for that call, though. I’m enjoying where I’m at with my family and life. If something comes up, great—I’ll dive in. But I’m not just sitting around waiting.”
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