With the Minnesota Vikings’ defense playing at a best-in-the-NFL clip through three weeks of the regular season, the club’s offense is on the clock to improve its efficiency. That responsibility lands squarely on Kyler Murray, and in theory, if he can’t “figure it out,” the front office might be forced to turn over all stones in hope of keeping the Super Bowl dream alive.
One option may be Seattle Seahawks QB3 Jalen Milroe, who has ties to current Vikings general manager Nolan Teasley.
Here’s why to remember Milroe’s name.
The Case for Milroe Down the Line for the Vikings
Vikings May Need an Alternative QB Idea if Offense Doesn’t Improve
Murray has barely had time to settle into Kevin O’Connell’s offense, and an early concussion cost him almost all of Week 1 plus the following game. Still, his 54.3 passer rating isn’t what the Vikings envisioned when they chose him as QB1.
The urgency comes from the rest of the roster. Brian Flores has a defense playing well enough to carry January ambitions, and wasting one of its best seasons because the offense can’t move the ball would sting – – enormously. J.J. McCarthy is gone, leaving Carson Wentz and Max Brosmer behind Murray.
If October doesn’t bring improvement, Teasley should at least make calls to gauge the quarterback trade market. A young quarterback with upside might be more intriguing than another veteran stopgap because Minnesota already has that with Wentz.
Teasley Was in the Room when SEA Drafted Milroe
Here’s where the idea gets hot. Teasley spent 13 seasons with Seattle and served as assistant general manager when the Seahawks selected Milroe 92nd overall in 2025. His role included player acquisition and a major hand in the draft process, so this isn’t some prospect he’d have to learn from scratch. He was there when Seattle studied him.
And fans have already seen Teasley revisit his past. Safety Jamal Adams specifically cited Teasley when explaining why he joined the Vikings, and the GM has shown he’ll keep churning the roster with additions such as Kenny Dyson. Milroe, meanwhile, sits behind Sam Darnold and Drew Lock in Seattle.
Through Week 3, he’s essentially the emergency quarterback. For a player drafted to develop, there isn’t much football available to him right now.
The Entire Seahawks 2025 Draft Class Was Stacked. Why Not Milroe, Too?
Seattle absolutely nailed most of its 2025 draft. Grey Zabel started every game during the Seahawks’ Super Bowl season and earned a spot on the PFWA All-Rookie Team. Nick Emmanwori started 11 games after returning from an early ankle injury.
Seattle also got immediate production from later picks. Tory Horton scored five offensive touchdowns before an injury ended his season, plus another score as a punt returner. Elijah Arroyo appeared in 13 games before landing on injured reserve.
Milroe was the fourth player Seattle drafted in a class analysts loved from the start. Maybe he’s simply the one miss. It’s also plausible the quarterback hasn’t received his opportunity yet, especially with Darnold entrenched and Seattle chasing another championship.
He’s Probably Better Than Max Brosmer
Brosmer remains a useful developmental player, but his 2025 audition didn’t create much reason to view him as a future starter. He completed 47 of 71 passes for 328 yards, threw no touchdowns, and tossed four interceptions. His efficiency numbers were awful, even worse than McCarthy, who was chided to the high heavens for his lackluster play.
Milroe doesn’t have enough NFL passing work to make a statistical comparison worthwhile. Seattle used him in only three regular season games as a rookie, mostly as a runner. The argument is about upside. Milroe was a 3rd-round pick with rare athletic ability and legitimate arm talent, while Brosmer entered the league undrafted.
If the Vikings want a quarterback to develop behind Murray instead of merely an emergency option, Milroe offers a far more fascinating toolbox. Seattle saw enough to spend pick No. 92 on it – – with Teasley in the room when it happened.
Milroe’s Scouting Report
Milroe isn’t difficult to understand as a prospect. The attraction starts with his legs. He’s 6-foot-2, built sturdily for the position and reportedly ran around 4.4 seconds at Alabama’s pro day. NFL.com’s pre-draft evaluation called his speed elite and also credited him with an NFL-caliber arm. Seattle knew it was buying traits.
The drawback is accuracy. It can wander, especially when Milroe is forced to throw on time from the pocket. Touch and anticipation also drew criticism during the draft process. His final Alabama season produced 2,844 passing yards with 16 touchdowns against 11 interceptions, but he added 726 rushing yards and 20 scores on the ground.
He’s an athletic developmental bet with enough physical talent to justify some patience.
The Trade Price?
Conveniently, the Vikings just acquired a 2027 5th-round pick from the New York Giants for McCarthy. That gives Teasley something useful to work with if Seattle is willing to discuss Milroe.
A 5th-rounder feels like a sensible place to begin. Tossing in a 7th-round selection could sweeten it if Seattle wants another chip.
Of course, the Seahawks may have zero interest. Milroe is cheap, young, and signed through 2028, while Lock is scheduled for free agency after this season. Seattle could easily view Milroe as part of its future rather than spare inventory.
The Vikings shouldn’t wildly overpay. A fifth plus a late-round addition? That could work if Milroe is gettable on the trade market.
Milroe Could Also Be a 2027 Offseason Option
Nothing says this has to happen before the Nov. 10 trade deadline. Seattle is defending a Super Bowl title and has little incentive to unload quarterback depth during another championship quest. The Vikings might also find Murray needed only a few weeks to settle into a new offense. That happens.
The idea becomes applicable again next spring if the quarterback spot remains unsettled. Lock can reach free agency, leaving Seattle to reassess what Milroe means behind Darnold. The Vikings will have their own decision to make depending on Murray’s season and Brosmer’s development.
Milroe would still have two inexpensive years remaining on his rookie contract, so the financial appeal isn’t going anywhere. Teasley also won’t have forgotten a player he helped draft.
Remember Milroe’s name because of the Teasley connect.
───────────── ─────────────
VikesNow Verdict: If the Vikings’ offense stays stuck with Murray at QB1, Milroe is worth a call before November and worth revisiting next spring if Seattle says no.
───────────── ─────────────
About The Author
