With the Aaron Rodgers saga over, the Minnesota Vikings can now focus on bringing in a veteran quarterback who actually fits the template they want as they move forward with J.J. McCarthy as the starter. Someone like Ryan Tannehill, or Joe Flacco, or Jameis Winston if he were still available.
Apart from the free agent options that are available, the Vikings are likely exploring the trade market for a backup to McCarthy. Those options naturally skew younger, with some on their second team in a young career or simply being in line to be pushed down the depth chart.
The Tennessee Titans have the No. 1 pick in April's draft. The draft board is their oyster, and they could trade down if another team really likes someone (former Miami quarterback Cam Ward?). Or they could just stay put and take Ward, or whoever else they'd like to make the first overall pick in the draft.
In any case, NFL insider Josina Anderson reported the Titans "would like to transition" from quarterback Will Levis.
Levis fell to the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft, and he has started 21 games with a 5-16 record for the Titans over the last two seasons. If they are going to take Ward No. 1 overall, then Levis becomes obvious trade bait. And there will surely be some teams willing to take a chance on a young quarterback who seems to have the physical tools to be a starter.
Trade proposal gives Minnesota Vikings QB2 "solution" in the form of Tennessee Titans QB Will Levis
Among his seven surprise trades that could still happen after the initial run of free agency, Moe Moton of Bleacher Report matched the Vikings and Levis.
"Minnesota Vikings receive: QB Will Levis and a 2025 sixth-round pick
Tennessee Titans receive: 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.
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."
In each of his two seasons, Levis has had one of the 10 highest (where high is bad) turnover-worthy play rates among quarterbacks who played at least 150 snaps (according to PFF). Raw surface data also shows a high volume of mistakes (16 interceptions and 17 fumbles in 21 games).
So the notion Levis could seriously push McCarthy for the starting job is almost comical. If he was the starter or even had to play in place of McCarthy, Kevin O'Connell would be pulling his hair out in short order.
While a "YOLO" element to their game can be fun in a backup quarterback (see Winston), Levis's resume to this point puts him on the wrong side of that equation.
The Vikings might end up trading for a backup quarterback who's still early in his career this offseason. But it would be a shocker, and borderline vomit-inducing (not unlike some of his known eating habits) if it's Levis.