Overview
- Team insiders reiterated that nothing is off the table, with reporting indicating Minnesota hasn’t ruled out pursuing a franchise-level trade if an elite quarterback becomes available.
- Kyler Murray was highlighted by multiple reports as a potential high-cost target, though his sizable contract and injury history underscore the hurdles to any such deal.
- The more practical near-term path discussed by analysts is adding an affordable veteran to push or insure McCarthy, with names like Marcus Mariota, Mac Jones and Malik Willis floated as options.
- McCarthy’s uneven 2025 (10 starts, 1,632 yards, 11 TDs, 12 INTs) and injuries have driven the push for a stronger room as he enters a pivotal offseason under increased organizational scrutiny.
- Cap constraints — reported at roughly $30–40 million over — and the steep draft and salary costs for top-tier passers make a blockbuster difficult, even as the Vikings hold added 2026 draft capital.