After J.J. McCarthy was handed the starting job last offseason, the Minnesota Vikings will be adding a veteran quarterback to the mix this offseason. The level of that addition will say it all about McCarthy's future in Minnesota, both immediate and long-term.
Will it be someone to compete with McCarthy, like Mac Jones, Marcus Mariota, etc.? Or someone to outright replace him, like Joe Burrow or Kyler Murray? Recent reports have diminished the idea that Jones and Burrow will be available to trade for, but the Atlanta Falcons' looming move to cut Kirk Cousins has revived the idea of a reunion.
Thankfully, the Aaron Rodgers ship has seemingly sailed for good with former Green Bay Packers head coach Mike McCarthy recently becoming the Pittsburgh Steelers' new head coach.
As usual, there simply aren't a lot of good quarterbacks available on the free agent and trade markets. So any options that may surface can't be completely ruled out, even if they aren't exciting. If the Vikings had simply gotten average play under center this season, they might have won the NFC North.
Kevin O'Connell and the Minnesota Vikings have another QB option to consider
On Super Bowl Sunday, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, Tom Pelissero, and Mike Garafolo offered former Las Vegas Raiders and New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr as a potential option for the Vikings and other teams who are in the market for a signal caller this offseason.
Due in part to a torn labrum in his throwing shoulder, Carr retired after the 2024 season. But he has apparently rehabbed to the point he is throwing as part of his regular exercise routine. Per Rapoport, "teams have learned Carr currently has no shoulder limitations."
NFL Network's insiders added how teams did due diligence on Carr as quarterback injuries mounted around the league this season, with specific mention of the Cincinnati Bengals after Burrow went down. Back in October, Rapoport reported the Bengals checked in on Carr before trading for Joe Flacco.
Apparently, the Bengals weren't the only ones to consider bringing Carr in this season. Maybe he had no desire to play, or maybe his shoulder wasn't as healthy as it is now, and it does take two to tango. The Saints also hold his rights, then and still today.
Rapoport addressed that piece of the equation.
"The amicable end to Carr's time in New Orleans, and the way the sides worked through any salary-cap issues add up to his tolled contract being an unlikely hurdle in the process. The Saints could ask for compensation in a trade, though the price surely wouldn’t be an unreasonable ask for a player who has no future in New Orleans."
Of course Carr wouldn't unretire for just any situation; if he did so, and Rapoport hit on the obvious requirement there.
"Carr doesn't seem to be actively chasing a return to the NFL. He's indicated he has enjoyed spending time with family and taking on various projects. But he surely knows the interest is there, and sources have said the right situation and coaching staff could lure Carr back onto the field."
Over his two seasons in New Orleans, Carr completed 68 percent of his passes with 40 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. He will turn 35 on March 28, and the situation with the Vikings would seem to fit his criteria to play again.
The Vikings should have a "no stone unturned" approach to adding a quarterback this offseason. Carr, however, tentatively and with questions in play, is now one of those stones that needs to be turned over.