Ever since the departure of Fran Tarkenton in 1979, the Minnesota Vikings have been searching for the organization's next franchise quarterback.
Some, like Daunte Culpepper and Tommy Kramer, seemed like they were on that path at times, but ultimately, neither was able to live up to the legacy that Tarkenton first created in a Minnesota uniform.
Instead, the Vikings have developed into a franchise that closely resembles a used car dealership when it comes to quarterbacks.
Are you a former top draft pick who might've made a Pro Bowl or two during your career? Then, Minnesota is the perfect place for you!
Currently, Kyler Murray is the latest addition to the Vikings' used quarterback lot, and the team is hoping he could possibly even stick around longer than one season if all goes well in the 2026 campaign. But if he doesn't, there might already be another veteran signal-caller ready to take his spot on Minnesota's roster.
With only one year left on his current contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Baker Mayfield could potentially hit free agency during the 2027 offseason. If that happens and the Vikings are in need of a new starting quarterback, Mayfield is a guy who ThePewterPlank.com's Josh Crysler believes could end up in Minnesota.
"The Minnesota Vikings recently signed Kyler Murray to a one-year deal, and they have 2024 first-round pick J.J. McCarthy in the QB room as well. The two are currently battling it out for the starting job in 2026.
But if both quarterbacks fail to deliver this upcoming season, Minnesota could be forced to take drastic measures. It’s a roster that’s ready to contend, headlined by one of the best receivers in the NFL, Justin Jefferson.
In a competitive NFC North that features Caleb Williams, Jordan Love, and Jared Goff, the Vikings won't be able to compete without top-notch quarterback play.
Another disappointing season for Minnesota from the quarterback spot could make a player like Mayfield an appealing option going forward."
Baker Mayfield to the Minnesota Vikings in 2027 almost feels inevitable
Given Minnesota's history, it's almost become a tradition at this point to see which used quarterbacks the team can bring in to be their starter.
Most of them have put together solid performances during their NFL careers, but they were just never able to live up to their expectations or meet their full potential.
That is exactly how one could describe Mayfield.
Drafted with the No. 1 overall pick by the Cleveland Browns in 2018, Mayfield has really never been able to meet the huge expectations that typically come when a player is drafted with such a high pick.
He's had plenty of exciting moments in his career, but he's already been on four different teams, and he's never even helped lead a franchise to an appearance in a conference championship.
It seems like Mayfield has fit in well with the Bucs since joining them in 2023, so finding a way to keep him around would seem like a good decision for Tampa Bay to make. But if the Bucs don't think he can help them win a Super Bowl in the next few years, then they might just choose to move on after the upcoming season.
If that happens and the Murray experiment fails, don't be surprised if the Vikings make an attempt to bring Mayfield to Minnesota in 2027.
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