Kevin O’Connell and the Minnesota Vikings have some serious recovering to do after a misfiring 2025 campaign. The team went 9-8 and watched as Sam Darnold, whom they showed the door after 2024, led the Seattle Seahawks to a Super Bowl 60 victory. It’s an awkward situation in Minnesota — one that demands serious action — and the quarterback is one position the front office should consider.
Who should the Vikings acquire ahead of the 2026 season?
Mac Jones Offers the Vikings Stability at a Bargain Price
Due to quarterback troubles, particularly J.J. McCarthy’s health concerns, Minnesota struggled on offense in 2025. O’Connell was forced to rely on veteran backup Carson Wentz and Max Brosmer to lead the offense, which finished 26th in scoring. While McCarthy has demonstrated the ability to be a franchise shot-caller, his longevity poses a significant obstacle.
PFSN’s Austin Swaim, therefore, believes O’Connell and company should acquire the experienced Mac Jones to stabilize the quarterback room.
“The Vikings face a unique challenge in navigating competition for McCarthy, whose rookie deal was supposed to provide flexibility for many of their stars and veterans under contract.” Swaim wrote. “The Vikings currently have the least cap space in the NFL (-$42.1 million), even though ‘funny money’ restructures are likely on the way to help.
“That makes Mac Jones of the San Francisco 49ers an extremely plausible option. Jones’s $1.0 million guaranteed salary would help add quality depth at a cost they can afford.”
Jones was drafted in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft to be the New England Patriots’ next franchise quarterback. However, a failed run under Bill Belichick saw him become a backup on the Jacksonville Jaguars and the San Francisco 49ers.
Swaim’s proposition would allow the experienced shot-caller a chance at redemption in Minnesota under an offensive genius head coach in O’Connell. In his four years with the Vikings, the coach has constantly demonstrated his effective schemes, having recorded double-digit-win seasons with Kirk Cousins and Darnold running his offenses (78.5 PFSN Offense Impact).
Jones has similarly proven his mettle, having taken the Patriots to the playoffs in his rookie season. Across his five-year career, he recorded 12,741 passing yards, 67 touchdowns, and 50 interceptions. He also proved to be an effective rusher, with 181 carries for 479 yards and two scores, leaving him with 69 career touchdowns.
Jones should fit seamlessly into O’Connell’s offense that features a stacked lineup, starring wideouts Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison, running backs Jordan Mason and Aaron Jones, and tight end T.J. Hockenson.
How the front office decides to move forward with the quarterback position, however, remains to be seen.
