Insider says Vikings will 'keep their eyes open' for a veteran QB

With rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy missing the entire 2024 season, it would surprise no one if the Minnesota Vikings added another QB behind Sam Darnold and Nick Mullens.

That process already started, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, who stated Minnesota wanted to bolster its QB depth given McCarthy’s injury.

“I would expect the Vikings to keep their eyes open for a veteran quarterback,” Rapoport stated . “Maybe some sort of a cut-down day trade, maybe someone who is released unexpected. They’re always going to scour the league for some depth options.”

On Friday, the Vikings signed Matt Corral, who is coming off a UFL Championship win with the Birmingham Stallions. Corral was selected in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft by the Carolina Panthers. He missed his entire rookie season due to a foot injury suffered in preseason and ended up getting waived in August 2023. The Patriots claimed him off waivers, but there was a great deal of drama .

Signing a QB who has yet to play a single down of NFL football is hardly an impressive addition and unlikely to be what Rapoport is talking about. However, there’s slim pickings at quarterback on the free-agent market with Ryan Tannehill, Brian Hoyer and Blaine Gabbert among the top options available.

If Minnesota waits to see if any signal-callers are cut during training camp, it could be looking at New England’s Bailey Zappe, Cleveland’s Tyler Huntley or Philadelphia’s Will Grier being available.

However, it might be more appealing to the Vikings to trade for a proven backup with starting experience on another roster who could push Darnold for starting time like Atlanta’s Taylor Heinicke, Houston’s Davis Mills or Dallas’ Trey Lance.

Darnold didn’t look bad in Minnesota’s preseason opener, but he didn’t look great either. The 27-year-old went 4-of-8 for 59 yards.

With the starting role his by default, Darnold is expected to see more playing time in the Vikings' final two preseason games against the Cleveland Browns on Saturday and Philadelphia Eagles on Aug. 24.