Resetting the Vikings' QB Acquisition Board for the 2026 Offseason

The Minnesota Vikings are set to find another quarterback in the 2026 offseason. And while the team is not giving up on J.J. McCarthy at the position, it also is not going to put all its eggs in one basket.

With that, we look toward potential quarterback additions that the team could make by trade or through free agency.

Let's begin tiering how the Vikings might feel about quarterbacks of different values.

The first category is the not realistic, but home run addition tier in which Joe Burrow stands alone among quarterbacks we have heard mentioned as potential Vikings additions.

Adding Burrow is slightly more realistic than adding Josh Allen, Justin Herbert and Patrick Mahomes. Could it happen? Sure, but it would rightfully shock the world. There are more realistic options for the team, though.

The next tier is a group of quarterbacks unlikely to leave if adequately valued at their current stop. That list includes Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones and Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers. This isn't new news but is certainly part of what the Vikings will discuss. Presumably the Steelers will do enough to retain Rodgers if he chooses to return, and the Colts won't let Jones leave either. They would, however, stand as high impact additions for the Vikings.

Then there's the perfect fit tier where Minnesota adds a quarterback it can build around long-term, while the quarterback gets a more stable franchise or better opportunity to play. Kyler Murray and Mac Jones are in the perfect fit tier for different reasons.

Murray has been an effective starting quarterback throwing for at least 3,700 yards in every season in which he has started at least 14 games. In other words, if he's healthy he is productive. The problem is his lack of surrounding stability and the Cardinals' coaching upheaval have made winning difficult.

For Jones, Minnesota simply provides an opportunity to push for a franchise quarterback designation again. There's reason to believe he would thrive in Minnesota.

After Murray and Jones is the solid addition tier, and one that probably gets good quarterback play for at least a season or two but maybe not long-term. Kirk Cousins, Geno Smith and retired quarterback Derek Carr fit in this tier.

If their most recent time on the field is any indication, these quarterbacks can still play. For how long they can play is perhaps the biggest question.

There may be another quarterback that isn't named above who could make an impact, but these are the quarterbacks we are watching for with the Vikings in 2026.