It is no longer a secret that the Minnesota Vikings are considering avenues to add insurance behind unproven quarterback J.J. McCarthy after a tough training camp for backup Sam Howell.
Head coach Kevin O’Connell essentially benched Howell for third-string signal-caller Brett Rypien last weekend. That gave rise to notions the Vikings will pursue an approach many fans and insiders expected before the team traded a fifth-round pick swap for Howell during the NFL draft — find a veteran who can step in for McCathy if necessary, as well as mentor him during his first year as a starter.
There aren’t a ton of options currently available via trade or free agency. However, the most likely place to produce one is Cleveland Browns training camp, where Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett are battling for the QB1 spot.
Cleveland named Flacco the top signal-caller in its first unofficial depth chart earlier this week. But Pickett appeared to hold poll position in that race before suffering a mild hamstring strain on July 26.
Much is yet to play out for the Browns, but the prevailing logic to this point has been that whichever veteran doesn’t win the starting job has a high probability of ending up on the trade block. Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel are also part of the QB competition, and after a veteran plows through a brutal six-game stretch to open the campaign, one or both of those rookies is liable to get his shot.
Thus, there is a reasonable chance that either Flacco or Pickett could be available to Minnesota two or three weeks from now. Both also fit what is likely to prove the Vikings’ preferred player profile of a veteran on a cheap contract who can start in a pinch.
Joe Flacco Fits Profile as Solid Backup QB for Vikings Based on Longevity, Cost and Super Bowl Past
GettyQuarterback Joe Flacco of the Cleveland Browns.
Pickett is young enough that he is liable to look for a starting job elsewhere once he hits unrestricted free agency next March. As such, Flacco may be the preferable option in Minnesota.
He is 40 years old and could be entering his last NFL season. However, he may also find he likes Minnesota if he ends up there, and could potentially stay another year to fill the same role in 2026 assuming things work out.
Flacco is also a former Super Bowl MVP with the Baltimore Ravens who has earned north of $180 million over the course of his career and led the Browns to the playoffs just two seasons ago. He is 105-86 across 17 regular seasons with 45,697 passing yards, 257 TDs and 162 INTs.
Flacco is making $4.25 million this season with $3 million in guaranteed money. He won the league’s Comeback Player of the Year award following the 2023 campaign.
Browns May Prefer Kenny Pickett to Joe Flacco, Rendering the Latter More Likely Trade Option for Vikings
GettyCleveland Browns quarterback Joe Flacco.
Brent Sobleski of Bleacher Report suggested on Tuesday that Flacco is one of the most likely roster bubble/trade candidates in the league based on the Browns’ current QB situation and the chances that Pickett can get back to full health before the month is out.
The picture may be clearer in Cleveland if Kenny Pickett hadn’t suffered a hamstring injury that kept him from participating in a few days of training camp sessions. Even so, the 2022 first-round draft pick may still hold a slight edge over the 40-year-old Joe Flacco.
No one should forget how poorly Flacco played for the Indianapolis Colts last season and the fact he’s now two years older [than his last stint in Cleveland].
Cleveland wants to compete this fall, while also looking for growth potential at the game’s most important position. Pickett, alongside rookies Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders, at least provide some long-term hope.
Despite Sobleski’s criticisms, which are reasonably fair, Flacco started six games for Indianapolis last year and went 2-4 with a subpar roster, throwing for 1,761 yards, 12 TDs and seven INTs.
Minnesota shouldn’t have to pay too great of a sum if Flacco becomes available. A Day-3 draft pick — perhaps a sixth-rounder — should be plenty to secure the QB’s services if the Browns choose to shop a signal-caller, which insiders predict they are likely to do.
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