The Minnesota Vikings have settled their starting quarterback situation entering Week 1 of the 2026 NFL season. Kyler Murray was able to beat out J.J. McCarthy for the job.
Murray was signed in free agency after he parted ways with the Arizona Cardinals. When the move happened, it was always expected that the former No. 1 overall pick would be the starter for the season opener.
Since the decision to start Murray was made, the future of McCarthy has come into question. There are some who believe that the Vikings could trade the former Michigan standout. Others think he still has a future in Minnesota.
With that being said, a new suggestion has been made that would see the Vikings trade for another young quarterback.
Minnesota Vikings Named Potential Shedeur Sanders Trade Suitor
Following the Cleveland Browns‘ decision to name Deshaun Watson the Week 1 starter, the team now has four quarterbacks on the roster. Sanders is expected to be the primary backup, but could the franchise consider trading him?
Choosing to roll with Watson over Sanders is a clear sign that the Browns don’t view Sanders as the long-term future right now. That could suggest a trade is an option.
Yardbarker’s Ernesto Cova took a look at three NFL teams who should attempt to trade for Sanders. On his list was Minnesota.
“J.J. McCarthy continues to struggle mightily in the preseason, and Carson Wentz can’t be trusted to stay healthy or play well consistently. They might still need a QB2,” Cova wrote.
“With Murray’s history of injuries and an underwhelming corps of backups, Sanders can be O’Connell’s next reclamation project and maybe even join the QB1 competition in 2027.”
Does Trading for Shedeur Sanders Make Sense?
Honestly, the idea of trading for Sanders sounds a bit far out there. He has shown flashes of potential, but the Vikings don’t necessarily need another quarterback.
That being said, a move for Sanders could make sense if McCarthy is traded.
Should Minnesota decide to cut ties with its former first-round pick in McCarthy, adding another young signal caller would make sense. Sanders would be able to come in as the Vikings’ backup quarterback behind Murray and develop under an elite quarterback coach in Kevin O’Connell.
Sanders has shown enough potential that he could be a future NFL starter. If Minnesota believes in his talent, swapping out McCarthy for him could be a solid option.
Of course, there is a good chance that Cleveland doesn’t have interest in trading Sanders. Even though the Browns named Watson their starter, Sanders could still end up starting at some point this season.
Only time will tell what the future has in store for Deion Sanders’ son, but the Vikings could be a team to watch if he is made available.
Vikings Suddenly Emerge as Possible Shedeur Sanders Trade Suitor