The biggest story with the Minnesota Vikings right now is at the quarterback position.

We know there is going to be a competition between Kyler Murray and J.J. McCarthy, but how real it will be is still up in the air. The Vikings have had to start at least three quarterbacks in two of Kevin O’Connell‘s four years as the head coach.

Signing Murray is essentially a make-good for not being able to retain Sam Darnold after the 2024 season. The Vikings need to not just win now, but also plan for the future, something that is counterintuitive.

Minnesota Vikings continue to be linked to Anthony Richardson trade

With the future of the position still in flux and O’Connell prioritizing having multiple starting-capable quarterbacks on the roster, adding another one is an interesting idea.

The Vikings continue to be linked to an Anthony Richardson trade, with ESPN’s Seth Walder sending a 2027 fifth-round pick for the fascinating quarterback.

Richardson can come to the Kevin O’Connell school of quarterbacks and learn behind another mobile QB in Kyler Murray, who is on just a one-year contract with Minnesota. Richardson’s deal expires in 2027, too, but his acquisition would give the Vikings more options going forward. Maybe Murray works out great and becomes the long-term starter in Minnesota. Or maybe Murray heads elsewhere and the Vikings see enough growth from Richardson to keep him around.
In this scenario, the Vikings could keep both Richardson and J.J. McCarthy (though that’s a pretty risky backup room) or deal the latter in another trade. For Indianapolis, it can land a little draft capital now in exchange for a third-string quarterback.

We’ve discussed on multiple occasions the idea of Richardson to the Vikings. O’Connell is widely known about being the place to go to quarterback rehab, especially with the success of Darnold and Daniel Jones. It’s evident that Richardson still has an immense amount of talent, and there is one thing that brings this idea to life: O’Connell was infatuated with him ahead of the 2023 NFL Draft.

It was widely reported at the time by myself and others that the Vikings nearly struck a deal with the Arizona Cardinals to move up to third overall to select Richardson. It didn’t happen, and the Vikings ended up with Jordan Addison at 23rd overall. Now, the Vikings could add Richardson and maximize their chances at finding a long-term starting quarterback. Plus, if things go well and they don’t re-sign Richardson, they could get a compensatory selection for him.

It’s not out of the question that this trade could happen, but it would likely mean moving on from one of McCarthy or Carson Wentz on the trade market.