The Minnesota Vikings are heading into quite the wild quarterback situation in 2026.
Kevin O’Connell and company want you to believe that they will be hosting an open quarterback competition heading into the season. Kyler Murray, J.J. McCarthy, Carson Wentz, and Max Brosmer all currently have contracts of employment in Minnesota.
The competition narrative mostly revolves around Murray and McCarthy, while some view Wentz as a true contender for the job. Brosmer seems to be the obvious odd man out.
But what if everything fails? What if none of these quarterbacks are the answer long-term, let alone 2026? Well, the Vikings most notably will be out of a tenth overall selection in McCarthy. Murray and Wentz are relatively small investments.
The main price will be the fact that the Vikings will be right back in the quarterback market in 2027. Recently, an interesting name came up as a fit for Minnesota in 2027 and onward.
Vikings Named As “Potential Fit” For Bucs QB Baker Mayfield
TAMPA, FLORIDA – JANUARY 03: Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers looks on during warm ups prior to the game against the Carolina Panthers during a game at Raymond James Stadium on January 03, 2026 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
The speculation was ramped up by The Athletic’s Jeff Howe. In a recent work for the publication, he discussed Mayfield’s contract status. The former first overall selection to Cleveland is due for a new deal, as his current one expires in March of 2027.
He had some interesting words for a hypothetical where Mayfield and the Buccaneers decide to move on without each other.
“Mayfield has a chance to be the first QB to exceed $50 million in free agency. Considering the likely competition for his services, it’s not farfetched to believe he could corral the biggest contract in NFL history.
And if quarterback Matthew Stafford retires after the 2026 season, the Los Angeles Rams and Mayfield might feel compelled to reunite. The Minnesota Vikings would be another obvious fit, but there would be a handful of teams ready to pursue the 2017 Heisman Trophy winner.”
It is quite the interesting thought. What may be even more interesting, however, is whether or not it would be Kevin O’Connell making that decision if it came to it.
Minnesota’s Former QB Josh Dobbs Released By Patriots
GettyDENVER, COLORADO – NOVEMBER 19: Quarterback Joshua Dobbs #15 of the Minnesota Vikings scrambles with the football during the first quarter of the NFL game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field At Mile High on November 19, 2023 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
Myles Simmons of Pro Football Talk reported the Patriots’ release of Josh Dobbs.
“The Patriots are moving on from one of their quarterbacks.
Per Ian Rapoport of NFL Media, New England is planning to release Joshua Dobbs after the club could not find a trade partner. Dobbs, 31, spent last season as the Patriots’ backup. But the team recently agreed to bring back Tommy DeVito on a two-year, $4.4 million deal. DeVito now appears poised to move up from No. 3 quarterback to Drake Maye’s backup in 2026.
By releasing Dobbs, the Patriots will save $3.7 million against the cap with $1.05 million in dead money.”
Dobbs will look to catch on with another NFL team needing QB depth and experience in 2026.
Vikings Named as ‘Obvious Fit’ for Another 1st Overall Pick at QB