The Minnesota Vikings failed to score a point in Max Brosmer’s first NFL start at quarterback, which serves as further evidence that the franchise must aggressively pursue new options under center come the offseason.
Brosmer, a 24-year-old undrafted rookie, replaced JJ McCarthy against the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday, November 30. McCarthy missed the game due to a concussion. Brosmer finished the afternoon 19-of-30 passing for 126 yards and four interceptions, while Minnesota fell to 4-8 on the year after a 26-0 loss in Seattle.
McCarthy could be back as early as next week, but he doesn’t offer the Vikings much in the way of hope for a quick turnaround after a 2-4 record, six TDs and 10 INTs on his resumé in 2025.
With eight notches in the loss column, Minnesota’s playoff chances are essentially nil. As such, the time has arrived for the team to begin thinking about how to improve the position next season in case McCarthy doesn’t show marked improvement down the stretch of this campaign and/or suffers another major injury.
Trade options include potential deals with the Indianapolis Colts for Anthony Richardson or the San Francisco 49ers for Mac Jones, both of whom are under contract through 2026. Both moves, however, are likely to cost the Vikings a Day 2 draft pick.
Free agent options that offer longterm upside are minimal, though one viable choice involves inking backup Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Kenny Pickett in free agency and betting on head coach Kevin O’Connell’s ability to develop him toward his full potential, just as O’Connell did with Sam Darnold who led the Seahawks to their shutout victory over the Vikings on Sunday.
Kenny Pickett Will Be Free Agent in March 2026
GettyLas Vegas Raiders quarterback Kenny Pickett.
Pickett, a former first-round pick (No. 20 overall) of the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2020, is in the final year of his $14 million rookie contract.
He has appeared in 32 games and started 25 of those (15-10). Pickett has tallied 4,773 passing yards, 15 TDs and 14 INTs as a professional quarterback.
The Steelers dealt Pickett to the Philadelphia Eagles in March 2024. Philly sent him to the Cleveland Browns via trade in March 2025, and Cleveland shipped Pickett to Las Vegas in late August following a late preseason injury to backup Aidan O’Connell.
Kenny Pickett Fits Vikings’ QB Needs in Terms of Depth, Salary Concerns
GettyQuarterback Kenny Pickett, formerly of the Cleveland Browns.
Pickett has played in just two games this season, completing two-of-three passes. That said, he entered the preseason as the presumptive QB1 in Cleveland until a hamstring issue sidelined him near the end of July.
Pickett turns just 28 years old in June and has a skill set similar to that of Darnold, highlighted by a strong arm that O’Connell could take advantage of given the Vikings’ highly talented group of skill players.
Given his status as a backup heading into free agency, Pickett profiles as a signal-caller a team like Minnesota could sign to a one- or two-year deal at a relatively inexpensive annual figure, which is perfect for the Vikings as they currently face a $36 million salary cap deficiency for the 2026 season.
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