‘I liked him coming out of college’ — Vikings legend Jared Allen offers fascinating solution for quarterback conundrum

There is no obvious situation for the Minnesota Vikings at quarterback.

Tyler Forness — NFL & College Football News Writer
Add as preferred source on Google
Aug 2, 2025; Canton, OH, USA; Pro Football Hall of Fame-Class of 2025 enshrinee Jared Allen gives his acceptance speech at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium.
Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

The Minnesota Vikings have made it clear that they will bring in competition at quarterback this offseason. Head coach Kevin O’Connell came right out and said it in his press conference after the season.

“I absolutely want a competitive situation,” said O’Connell. “Obviously, J.J. [McCarthy] is going to be a major, major emphasis for our staff and our team and me personally, and we’ll figure out what that looks like as we navigate the early part of this offseason when it comes to managing the roster.

“I think ultimately, we’ve got to decide how to not only continue J.J.’s progression, allow him to continue to ascend as a young player, 22-years-old with 10 starts, but at the same time, like I said, I think the competition in that room will only enhance our entire team.”

Jared Allen believes in Tua Tagovailoa

When shows have former players on their shows, especially those who have connections with the Vikings, the quarterback situation inevitably comes up. That’s exactly what happened to Pro Football Hall of Famer Jared Allen during his appearance on Up and Adams.

“I’ll be honest. I think people might hate me for it, I think Tua [Tagovailoa] is actually an interesting option,” said Allen. “I mean, the dude won a championship in college, right? He shows signs. And if you bring you know, you put Kevin with that offense, you get a good offensive line, [it can work].”

Tagovailoa is an interesting option for the Vikings. He does have ample starting experience, but there are serious issues to work through. The biggest of those issues is his health. He’s suffered multiple concussions in his career, and has only played in all 17 games just once in six seasons.

The idea behind acquiring Tagovailoa is after the Miami Dolphins likely release him, as it would be very expensive to acquire him via trade.

Mac Jones also has Jared Allen’s attention

It wasn’t just Tagovailoa that Allen believed in. He also had positive things to say about Mac Jones of the San Francisco 49ers.

“I think Mac Jones [makes sense],” Allen continued. “I like what Mac did when he stepped in for [Brock] Purdy. I think he did a great job in San Francisco. I liked Mac Jones coming out of college, to be honest with you. I think there are some guys on that list that will at least will push for that starting job and possibly take us there again. It’s about ball security. It’s about being on the field.”

Jones has been a popular answer for many Vikings fans after he went 5-3 with the 49ers this season with Purdy dealing with a toe injury. Ultimately, it’s unlikely that he will end up being a realistic option. The 49ers have been clear about wanting to keep him in the fold and have no interest to trade him away.

Sam Darnold was the answer for the Vikings

After he won the Super Bowl on Sunday, Sam Darnold was going to come up, and Allen was blunt about his assessment.

“Obviously, Sam Darnold, in hindsight, was the answer. Does that win the Super Bowl for us? I don’t know, but hats off to the kid. I mean, he went out there, turned his career around, and just dominated.”

Will the Vikings end up making either Jones or Tagovailoa a priority? That remains to be seen, but if Allen’s right, the Vikings could be in a good spot moving forward.

Related Articles