Minnesota Vikings fans are eagerly waiting for the regular season debut of starting quarterback J.J. McCarthy, but what happens if it doesn't work out with him? There is a wild scenario where the Vikings could land Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning.
What's the connection that would bring Manning to Minnesota? Well, his grandfather, Archie Manning, was a quarterback for the Vikings in 1983 and 1984. That seemingly small connection has Bleacher Report writer Brent Sobleski naming the Vikings as a potential landing spot for Arch Manning.
"Archie Manning may be most closely associated with his time as a member of the New Orleans Saints, but his 14-year career ended with the Minnesota Vikings.
It's OK if most fans have forgotten this little factoid, since the elder Manning started only two games while wearing the purple and white 41 years ago.
To be clear, though, this is the best possible scenario for the incoming Manning and not the other way around."
Is there any scenario where Arch Manning wears a Minnesota Vikings uniform?
This honestly seems like a wild idea that Arch Manning could be playing for the Vikings. Even Sobleski acknowledges that it would take a lot for Minnesota to move on from McCarthy, who is just in his first year as the starter.
"The Minnesota front office invested heavily in its offensive interior this offseason, and the defense is one of the league's most creative and aggressive.
Most importantly, head coach Kevin O'Connell is considered one of the NFL's best when it comes to designing a QB-friendly scheme while understanding what the position needs. Furthermore, quarterbacks coach Josh McCown played 19 seasons in the NFL.
McCarthy not working out would be surprising. If that happens, though, other quarterbacks should be looking to the franchise, which is set up to succeed.
The Manning family will understand what's possible in Minnesota."
First off, as already mentioned, the Vikings are fully invested in McCarthy's success, and he already has everything he needs to be successful. There might be a lot of people in the media who are skeptical, but with weapons like Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, Aaron Jones, and a retooled offensive line, there's very little reason to believe this won't work.
It's hard not to think about what Manning could do in this offense, though. He possesses all the natural arm talent, athleticism, and football smarts that make him appear to be an NFL-caliber quarterback. Manning would only get better as a quarterback with O'Connell, who has developed quarterbacks like Matthew Stafford, Kirk Cousins, and Sam Darnold into great starters.
McCarthy should not be slept on, though. He is a proven winner in his own right with only one college loss in 28 games started. He's won a national championship. Sure, his stats won't tear the world up, but Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts doesn't have crazy passing stats either, and he's a Super Bowl winner and MVP.
The vibes feel the same with McCarthy, as he will find a way to win games for the Vikings. Manning is a fun thought, but McCarthy has the backing of the whole franchise and fan base. Even if McCarthy somehow struggles this season and Manning declares for the 2026 NFL Draft, Minnesota isn't going out of its way to trade up for Manning.