The Minnesota Vikings appear confident with upcoming sophomore J.J. McCarthy serving as their starting quarterback.
However, that doesn’t mean the Vikings’ front office isn’t looking to bring in some security for the unseasoned pro. McCarthy missed his entire rookie campaign due to injury, which allowed former No. 3 pick Sam Darnold to have a breakout year and land a lucrative contract with the Seattle Seahawks.
Minnesota opting against re-signing Darnold likely signifies a lack of willingness to heavily invest in another QB, but for the right asking price, competition could be added.
Vikings Predicted To Trade for Will Levis
If there’s one thing the Tennessee Titans can “thank” QB Will Levis for, it’s helping them land the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Levis led the Titans to a 2-10 record in his 12 starts last season, meaning it’s more likely than not Tennessee will select its QB of the future with the top selection.
In doing so, parting ways with Levis becomes incredibly realistic, leading Bleacher Report’s Moe Moton to predict the Vikings will trade for the underwhelming starter. He proposes the Titans send Levis and a 2025 sixth-round pick to Minnesota for a 2025 fifth-round pick.
“They may prefer an experienced quarterback who can push J.J. McCarthy for the starting job rather than someone who expects to start over him. If so, a young signal-caller who’s played in a notable number of regular-season games would be an ideal addition,” Moton wrote. “If McCarthy has a setback in his recovery from two meniscus tears or a rough offseason, Levis can provide veteran insurance until the Vikings get their quarterback of the future ready to lead the huddle.”
As previously mentioned, Darnold had an impressive year in Minnesota, slotting as the No. 12 QB in PFSN’s metric. No one expects McCarthy or Levis to lead the same No. 13-ranked unit (per PFSN’s Offense+ data) that Darnold did. However, having both on the roster can lead to some healthy competition as well as provide the Vikings with a more experienced starter for a cheap price.
While adding four-time MVP Aaron Rodgers is appealing on the surface, he would command a large deal, the starting job, and bring unneeded drama to the locker room. Meanwhile, Levis gets a possible second chance as a starter in a new environment with one of the best wide receivers in the NFL at his disposal, Justin Jefferson.
The public raised their opinion of McCarthy throughout last season despite not yet seeing him on an NFL field. So, trading for Levis is the perfect security move.