The Minnesota Vikings aren’t taking any chances at the NFL’s most important position. Four quarterbacks are already on the offseason roster, but the front office isn’t closing the door on more competition, especially if it means pushing rookie J.J. McCarthy to sharpen faster.
McCarthy, fresh off an injury-marred rookie season, is penciled in as the starter. The Vikings clearly believe in his long-term potential, but they’re also aware of the unknowns surrounding a player who hasn’t yet thrown a regular-season NFL pass. Trading for Sam Howell gave them a capable backup, but the buzz around Will Levis hasn’t quieted down, and Minnesota’s name keeps surfacing in those conversations.
Vikings Keeping Their Options Open Amid Levis Trade Buzz
Tennessee made waves when they used the top overall pick on Cam Ward, immediately casting doubt on Levis’ future with the team. Since then, speculation has only grown around the 2023 second-rounder potentially being on the move. David Latham of Last Word on Sports believes the Vikings make a strong case for a landing spot.
“Minnesota has the roster to compete for a Super Bowl if J.J. McCarthy becomes the real deal,” Latham wrote on April 30. “However, the Michigan product missed his entire rookie season to injury, so nobody knows what he brings to the table.”
Veteran presence or not, McCarthy is facing pressure from every angle. Howell arrived via trade from Seattle to challenge for the QB2 role. Brett Rypien is back, and undrafted rookie Max Brosmer also joined the room. But if the Vikings want someone to really raise the stakes, Levis could offer just that.
Maurice Moton of Bleacher Report floated a deal structure in March, suggesting the Vikings could acquire Levis and a sixth-round pick for one of their fifth-round selections. “They may prefer an experienced quarterback who can push J.J. McCarthy for the starting job,” Moton wrote.
