The Minnesota Vikings find themselves in one of the more intriguing quarterback situations heading into the new season. J.J. McCarthy is expected to take over as the starter in what will effectively be his rookie year, despite not yet having played a single snap in the NFL. While McCarthy’s talent is undeniable, his lack of experience leaves plenty of uncertainty about how things might unfold.
That’s why it makes sense for the Vikings to consider adding more stability to their quarterback room. They’ve already acquired Sam Howell from the Seattle Seahawks in a fifth-round pick swap and have Brett Rypien slotted in as the third-string option. Still, with McCarthy being untested, it might be wise to explore more reliable options in case things don’t go according to plan.
Optimism around McCarthy is high, but having a solid backup plan never hurts—especially at the most crucial position in football. That’s where a recent trade proposal comes in.
Trade Proposal: Vikings and Titans Strike a Deal
This concept depends on how the Vikings’ offseason plays out, but it’s worth considering. The Tennessee Titans selected quarterback Cam Ward with the first overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, which raises questions about Will Levis’ future with the team. Reportedly unhappy with the pick, Levis could become expendable and available for a late Day 2 or early Day 3 draft pick.
Given that Levis has a higher ceiling than both Howell and Rypien, the Vikings could view him as a valuable insurance policy should McCarthy struggle during training camp or early in the season. While someone like Anthony Richardson from the Colts could also be a strong option, acquiring Levis seems like a more feasible move at this stage.