The Minnesota Vikings are back at the drawing board at quarterback before the trade deadline, with Carson Wentz on injured reserve and J.J. McCarthy making his return from a six-week (five-game) absence due to an ankle injury.
That leaves them with one option in ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter’s estimation.
The Vikings must pursue a trade for a veteran, which adds even more uncertainty to a team that won 14 games in 2024, but is off to a 3-4 start in 2025.
Vikings ‘Have to Add’ Veteran QB
GettyJ.J. McCarthy #9 of the Minnesota Vikings looks on against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Following Wentz’s injury, McCarthy and rookie undrafted free agent Max Brosmer are the only healthy quarterbacks on the Vikings’ roster as the trade deadline nears. With a veteran-laden roster, featuring star wide receiver Justin Jefferson, the Vikings are expected to act accordingly.
However, Schefter also tamped down expectations for a blockbuster move.
Schefter also pointed out that the Vikings had a plan in place with Wentz before signing him to their roster.
“The Minnesota Vikings are going to have to add a veteran quarterback. I don’t think it’s a high-profile move. But look, when they traded Sam Howell before the season, they had Carson Wentz waiting in the wings,” Schefter told Ty Schmidt on “The Adam Schefter Podcast” on October 28. “
“Two quarterbacks on their roster are J.J. McCarthy and Max Bromer. Two young quarterbacks. Vikings have to add a veteran quarterback at some point in time here, you would think, by the trade deadline. We’ll see what happens there with the Minnesota Vikings.”
The 2025 trade deadline is on November 4 at 4 p.m. ET.
Vikings Face Harsh Truth About QB Room
GettyCarson Wentz #11 of the Minnesota Vikings reacts after suffering an injury against the Los Angeles Chargers.
While Schefter expects more of a minor move, colleague Benjamin Solak suggested that the Vikings trade for Indianapolis Colts QB Anthony Richardson, after arguing they are feeling the sting of their decision not to retain Sam Darnold.
“The book is not shut on McCarthy, who has just two starts under his belt. But it’s closing quickly, all while Darnold is shredding in Seattle,” Solak wrote on October 28. “This is just about as bad of a runout as the Vikings could have gotten on their March decision — a much trickier one than many gave it credit for at the time. It could have gone the other way, but it didn’t. And now Minnesota is scrambling for an offensive identity and a return to contention.”
The same could apply to Colts starter Daniel Jones, whose success has made Richardson a potential trade target.
“With Carson Wentz now on season-ending injured reserve, the QB2 job is once again open for grabs in Minnesota — and with it comes a serious opportunity to start,” Solak wrote. “Who will they target.
“What about Richardson, the fourth overall pick from 2023 who never panned out for the Colts?”
Vikings Trade Pitch Lands Colts QB Anthony Richardson Amid Push
GettyAnthony Richardson #5 of the Indianapolis Colts looks on during warm-ups before a game against the Miami Dolphins.
Solak also suggested a potential trade package the Vikings could offer to land Richardson, in which Minnesota would send mid-round draft capital to the Colts for the dynamic passer.
Vikings get:
- Anthony Richardson
- 2026 fifth-round draft pick
Colts get:
- 2026 third-round draft pick
- 2027 conditional seventh-round draft pick (can become fifth-rounder)
Solak noted that Richardson, who is on injured reserve with an orbital fracture, has similar durability concerns as McCarthy. Richardson would also need Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell to tailor the offense to his skill set.
“I don’t think Richardson would walk in and immediately start,” Solak wrote. “But if McCarthy continues to struggle getting his ankle back to health, then Richardson would get a crack at the starting gig after a week or two of learning the offense. If McCarthy gets back in time, Richardson gives Minnesota another young dart throw at a position where it must hit on a cost-controlled player to keep the rest of the roster paid.”
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Vikings Receive Strong QB Directive With Trade Deadline Approaching appeared first on Heavy Sports.