J.J. McCarthy reaffirmed himself as the starting quarterback of the Minnesota Vikings moving forward after a triumphant Week 9 win over the Detroit Lions.
But could the Vikings still be buyers for a veteran quarterback at the trade deadline?
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported on November 1 that league sources believe the Vikings could be on the prowl for a quarterback to provide a veteran voice and experience.
Kirk Cousins, Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston are all names that have circulated Vikings trade rumors approaching the league’s November 4 trade deadline.
Twenty-four hours before the trade deadline, head coach Kevin O’Connell addressed the potential to make a move for a quarterback, noting that it’s important to always have conversations but ultimately citing his confidence in his quarterback depth with a move they already made, signing veteran John Wolford to the practice squad.
Wolford and O’Connell spent time together with the Los Angeles Rams. He was also the team’s preferred trade target when Cousins went down with a season-ending Achilles injury in 2023.
“I think with bringing John in,” O’Connell said, “it was something where we wanted to make sure we had a third guy in the room, a guy I know very well. He immediately picked up where I remember being with John — super smart, has a pretty high level of quickness and athleticism. … He’s got experience understanding how our pass offense works and how we want to operate. So as he said, he’s the old man in the room now and I think that’s important for two young guys.”
Wolford, 30, brings another perspective to the quarterback room that also has O’Connell and quarterback coach Josh McCown and assistant Jordan Traylor.
“To have that third guy (Wolford) in there with Josh and Jordan, I feel pretty comfortable with that room right now,” O’Connell added.
What Are Vikings’ Needs at Trade Deadline?
With O’Connell indicating that quarterback seems to be off the table at the trade deadline, there are several other position groups that Minnesota could make a move for.
Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer reported that the Vikings are in the market to add a cornerback before Sunday’s upset win over the Lions.
“As for buyers, the Vikings and Colts are among a list of teams looking for corners. That market isn’t rich with options, which could make the Rams (McCreary), Browns (Tyson Campbell) and Eagles (Michael Carter II) look smart for striking a little earlier. Indy could also look at adding an edge player, and teams have called to inquire on the Colts’ own surplus of receivers, so a wideout could end up being a chip for them in a trade,” Breer wrote.
Vikings Playoff Odds Updated
The Vikings being buyers at the trade deadline is a recent development, considering their chances of making the postseason sat at just 5% before McCarthy’s return.
McCarthy willed Minnesota back to .500 entering the final hours before the trade deadline.
And while there is still an uphill battle for the Vikings, whose postseason chances improved to 12% with the win, the NFC division is looking much more contentious.
The Vikings are currently last in the division at 4-4 but are just 1.5 games behind the division-leading Green Bay Packers (5-2-1) with both matchups remaining.
The Vikings are also just a game behind the Chicago Bears and Lions, and it’s looking likely the NFC North will send two teams to the postseason.
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