The Minnesota Vikings will go into the 2026 offseason with one pressing question pressing above all others – what is to be done at the quarterback position.
The Vikings have made it clear that they intend to bring in another quality quarterback in the Spring to backup-up and indeed compete with JJ McCarthy, despite the team and head coach Kevin O’Connell publicly backing their 2024 10th overall pick.
Alec Lewis of The Athletic reported back on January 16 that “nothing is off the table” for the Vikings with regard to how they might add to quarterback position group to create a “deep and talented” room in 2026.
And on Thursday morning, the Vikings reporter for Sleeper, Jason Harmon reported that the team could make a run at Pro Bowl quarterback, Mac Jones, who currently set to be a free agent after spending the past two seasons with the San Francisco 49ers.
– The team still has faith in McCarthy but injuries are the main worry.
– Source with inside knowledge shared Mac Jones is definitely on the Vikings radar, but there are a number of other teams interested.
– One
Vikings Interested In Former First Round Quarterback
“Was able to snag a couple Vikings QB nuggets while in Mobile:
– The team still has faith in McCarthy but injuries are the main worry.
– Source with inside knowledge shared Mac Jones is definitely on the Vikings radar, but there are a number of other teams interested.
– One very connected MN source named Anthony Richardson as a likely option as well.
Early in the offseason, things could change, and teams don’t necessarily show their full hands this early, but interesting nonetheless.” Harmon wrote on X.
The team will seemingly not have a clear, unimpeded shot at Jones with “a number of other teams interested”, but the offensive setup in Minneapolis is far better than other potential teams vying for his services this offseason, such as the Steelers, Jets or Cardinals.
Supposedly, O’Connell may also try his luck on former 2023 4th overall pick for the Indianapolis Colts, Anthony Richardson, as a reclamation project – according to Harmon.
Mac Jones A Solid Option For Minnesota
Jones will be one of a just a handful of starting-quality quarterbacks on the market this offseason.
Out of loyalty and thanks to his current franchise and head coach, Matt LaFleur, it would seem unlikely that current Green Bay Packers QB2, Malik Willis, would choose the Vikings as his next destination. Nor would it seem particularly plausible that Minnesota would be able to match the offer sheet coming from other franchises this coming March, which some estimate will be up to $40-50 million/year.
Much of whether the Vikings are able to secure Jones’ services will be a.) cap related and b.) whether other interested parties can guarantee him a starting job.
Sitting at almost $40 million over the cap limit for 2026 heading into the offseason, the Vikings will be strained to even get back to zero – let alone acquire more players. But with modern-day tactics to manipulate the cap and the team’s insistence on adding more QB talent, it would seem apparent that general manager, Kwesi Adofo Mensah will find a way to make it work.
Minnesota can hardly guarantee Jones the starting job if he signs on, but if they offer him a good faith competition between him and McCarthy during training camp, that could be enough to lure him through the door.
Pro Bowl QB ‘Definitely On The Vikings’ Radar