Elite defensive coordinator secured, but quarterback options dwindle. Vikings face tough choices in a barren market.
The Minnesota Vikings are in a better place than they were not that long ago. The team has re-signed its elite defensive coordinator in Brian Flores and appears set up for success in 2026 on the defensive side.
In addition to the signing, there appears to be more clarity about what type of team they want to field moving forward. Part of that involves the type of quarterback they are willing to have lead the team.
Obviously, the Vikings would probably like a redo with former quarterback Sam Darnold who led the Seattle Seahawks to the Super Bowl game this season. But finding a player of his caliber this offseason could be a difficult task.
According to Mark Powell of Fansided, it's looking more evident that Aaron Rodgers, Daniel Jones and Joe Burrow will be playing for the same team they played for in 2026. Powell explained why Jones may stay in Indianapolis.
"The Colts thrived when Daniel Jones was healthy this season. Sure, there were some moments of doubt, especially just prior to Jones' season-ending injury, but there is no quarterback on the open market that can replicate what the former first-round pick did for Indy's offense last season. As long as the Colts are tempted to run that product back, they'll find a way to keep Jones under contract next season.
To that point, it should come as no surprise that the Colts are negotiating a new contract with Jones. That'll likely cost them a lump sum, however, despite Jones injury. The quarterback market is barren the next couple of seasons, and there is no obvious answer for Indianapolis in the draft. Shane Steichen and Chris Ballard are under the spotlight next season. Expect them to find any way to keep Jones around, even if it means the dreaded franchise tag."
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones (17) is forced out of bounds on a keeper during the first quarter of an NFL football game. Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union-USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn ImagesWith the above players potentially off the board, who do the Vikings get in their place? Powell suggests Kyler Murray and Tua Tagovailoa could be trade options, but then there's the question of why those players could even be tradable and whether or not the move is worth the risk.
Then there are players like Green Bay backup Malik Willis and NFL journeymen Marcus Mariota and Russell Wilson. It's unclear if either really moves the needle.
From the outside, that could narrow it down to two realistic options that could truly make a difference in Kirk Cousins and San Francisco 49ers quarterback Mac Jones. And even though it may not be that limited or bleak it highlights the urgency with which the team will need to act in the offseason.
The Vikings will likely look to explore every feasible trade and free agent avenue to find a quality quarterback for 2026.