Vikings rumor reveals Minnesota's interest in 2 former first-round quarterbacks

The Minnesota Vikings' quarterback situation will be the primary headline of the team's 2026 offseason.

Though J.J. McCarthy showed flashes during his technical rookie season in 2025, he also continued to struggle with injuries and looked completely overwhelmed at times.

Minnesota likely won't give up on McCarthy after just two years, as they used a top-10 selection on him in the 2024 NFL Draft. However, it sounds like the Vikings have their eyes on two former first-round quarterbacks to give McCarthy some competition.

According to Jason Harmon of SKOR North - Minnesota Sports, the Vikings are expected to have interest in quarterbacks Mac Jones and Anthony Richardson this offseason.

Here is what Harmon had to say:

"Source with inside knowledge shared Mac Jones is definitely on the Vikings radar, but there are a number of other teams interested. One very connected MN source named Anthony Richardson as a likely option as well," Harmon said on X.

Jones and Richardson are both under contract with their respective teams, the San Francisco 49ers and Indianapolis Colts, so Minnesota would have to trade for them.

However, both players could land on the trade market in the coming months.

Jones started eight games for the 49ers in 2025 and filled in nicely for Brock Purdy, posting a 5-3 record with 13 touchdowns and six interceptions.

The former first-round selection of the New England Patriots proved that he can still be a viable starter in the NFL, and he could receive that opportunity in Minnesota by competing with McCarthy.

Richardson's time in Indianapolis should be over soon, as the team has pivoted to Daniel Jones as their starter, despite him tearing his Achilles' tendon in Week 14 of the 2025 season.

The Vikings could be the franchise that finally unlocks Richardson's potential, and the Florida product would also push McCarthy in minicamp and training camp, though he likely won't receive the starting job.

Minnesota is destined to acquire another signal-caller this offseason, and Jones and Richardson are realistic options.

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