The Minnesota Vikings have the NFL’s third-worst offense per DVOA through three weeks of the 2026 regular season, and that’s just not going to cut it – – not when the club possesses a defense that can win a Super Bowl.
If Kyler Murray, in theory, does not improve, Minnesota would be forced to examine all options, including trades before the league’s deadline in five weeks.
These are the options, ranked in ascending order (No. 1 = most realistic QB1 alternative).
Thirteen Ways the Vikings Could Pivot at Quarterback
13. Re-Explore Max Brosmer
Brosmer is already in the building, sitting on the practice squad after spending all of 2025 in Kevin O’Connell’s system. He knows the language and wouldn’t cost a draft pick to elevate.
But the downside is obvious: Brosmer isn’t very good – – or at least he played terribly as a rookie in 2025. If the offense reaches emergency territory, though, the Vikings could first investigate the quarterback they already employ.
12. Steal Will Levis from Jets’ Practice Squad
Levis landed on the Jets’ practice squad after Tennessee moved on. He brings 21 NFL starts and 3,899 passing yards. Arm strength has never been a concern in a career that produced a 5-16 starting record.
Because he’s on a practice squad, the Vikings could sign Levis directly to their 53-man roster. No trade compensation required. For pure accessibility, he belongs on the list, almost as full disclosure. A wide net.
11. Trade a Mid- or Late-Rounder for Jalen Milroe
Milroe is buried behind Sam Darnold and Drew Lock in Seattle, where he’s been serving as the emergency quarterback. The Nolan Teasley connection – – the Vikings’ general manager who arrived in June from Seattle – – makes this fascinating. Teasley spent 13 seasons with the Seahawks and played a major role in their draft process before leaving for the Vikings.
Seattle may value Milroe’s developmental upside too much to listen. A mid-round pick could at least start the conversation for a quarterback Teasley already knows really, really well.
10. Pray LAC Embraces the Huge Dead Cap Hit for a Justin Herbert Trade
This is the moonshot. Herbert remains the Los Angeles Chargers’ franchise quarterback, and his contract makes a 2026 trade especially painful. Spotrac lists more than $72 million in dead money attached to him this season via trade.
Los Angeles would have to swallow a financial crater before football compensation even applies. Herbert would instantly transform O’Connell’s offense, however.
The odds of availability are microscopic, but contingency plan lists are allowed one outrageous Hail Mary.
9. Call Jimmy Garoppolo off the Couch
Garoppolo technically isn’t retired. He considered walking away this offseason, then decided he’d return for the right situation. He remains an unrestricted free agent after spending the last two seasons behind Matthew Stafford.
The phone call is sweetly simple: “Do you want to play quarterback for the Minnesota Vikings?” The man could not decline.
Garoppolo has 64 career starts and playoff experience, though he’d need a little time to learn O’Connell’s offense.
8. Call Russell Wilson in Retirement
Wilson actually is retired. He announced the end of his 14-year career in June and moved into a CBS Sports role, so convincing him to return would require more than an ordinary free-agent pitch.
Wilson owns 353 career touchdown passes and a Super Bowl ring. If quarterback injuries kept piling up or Murray just stinks, asking one question wouldn’t hurt: interested in one last ride?
7. Trade a Late-Rounder for Tua Tagovailoa
Tagovailoa’s situation in Atlanta changed quickly. He opened the season as QB1 in spirit, got hurt right before Week 1, and Michael Penix Jr. has since returned to the starting lineup. Penix then helped Atlanta disembowel Green Bay last week.
A trade would involve contract work, and a late-round pick may not get Atlanta’s attention. Still, if Penix permanently claims the job, the Vikings should monitor Tagovailoa’s availability. Minnesota’s current assistant head coach, Frank Smith, worked with Tagovailoa in Miami.
6. Trade a Late-Rounder to NYJ for Geno Smith if Cade Klubnik Takes Over
Smith remains the Jets’ starter, with Klubnik sitting behind him. So, this option requires one development first: the rookie taking over and New York deciding it can move its veteran.
If the switch eventually arrives, Smith becomes at least a talking point. He’s experienced and mobile enough for O’Connell’s offense. A late-round offer would be worth exploring, especially if the Jets decide their season should start moving toward Klubnik.
5. Trade a Late-Rounder to NO for Spencer Rattler
Rattler is sitting behind Tyler Shough in New Orleans, making him one of the more attainable trade ideas here. He already has NFL starting experience and remains on his rookie contract.
The Vikings would be acquiring a young quarterback who could enter the room without demanding the job. For a late-round pick, the cost could fit the role rather nicely.
4. Steal Nick Mullens from JAX Practice Squad
Mullens remains on Jacksonville’s practice squad, and the connection is crystal clear. He spent three seasons with O’Connell and started games for the Vikings, meaning he’d need minimal on-the-job training.
Jacksonville has elevated Mullens twice this season, showing the Jaguars still value him. Practice squad rules give the Vikings a path if they’re willing to place him on the active roster. Among the outside options, this might be the easiest pivot.
Mullens has thrown for 400 yards in O’Connell’s offense often enough that it almost feels routine – – like brushing your teeth.
3. Trade a Mid-Rounder for Kirk Cousins
Cousins would normally be the nostalgic solution. The problem is Las Vegas sits at 3-0, and he’s playing “too well.” The Raiders have little reason to disrupt September merely because Fernando Mendoza is waiting behind him. Hell, those guys are dreaming about a Super Bowl, not Mendoza’s go-live date.
If circumstances change, though, O’Connell knows exactly what Cousins can do. Cousins has nine touchdown passes in three games. It’s unbelievable.
2. Trade a Mid-Rounder for Mac Jones
Jones is Brock Purdy’s backup in San Francisco, and quarterback-needy teams have already been sniffing around. John Lynch has stressed the value of keeping a dependable No. 2 – – the 49ers won’t be eager sellers.
Jones has starting experience and played well when called upon in 2025. He ranked eighth in quarterback DVOA last year.
1. Roll with Carson Wentz
Wentz is already the answer if Murray doesn’t improve. He replaced Murray in Week 1 and threw three damn touchdown passes. Wentz then started the 9-3 victory at Chicago while Murray remained in concussion protocol.
Trading J.J. McCarthy only reinforced the hierarchy. If Murray struggles or gets hurt, Wentz will get the first call. Every other name on this list comes afterward.
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VikesNow Verdict: A team with a championship-caliber defense can’t ignore an offense sitting 30th in DVOA forever. Wentz is Plan B. After him, the possibilities get weird – – and fun.
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