The Minnesota Vikings may have to explore other options at quarterback. Former first-round pick JJ McCarthy was erratic and missed seven games in his first full season as a starter.
The Vikings went from winning 14 games with Sam Darnold to missing the playoffs with McCarthy. They fired GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, so they might be ready to move on from the Michigan product, or at least get some internal competition for him.
According to NFL Network insider Cameron Wolfe, the Vikings might turn to the Indianapolis Colts for help. Anthony Richardson reportedly requested a trade, and there’s mutual interest between him and Kevin O’Connell’s team:
“One team to keep an eye on trading for Anthony Richardson: Minnesota Vikings,” Wolfe wrote on X. “There is mutual interest. Combine is ideal time for these convos to happen.”
The Vikings Could Roll The Dice With Anthony Richardson
Richardson was the No. 4 pick in 2023. Injuries and erratic play have derailed his once-promising career, but he’s just 23 years old and is one of the most athletic and physically gifted quarterback prospects in NFL history.
The Colts are likely to commit to Daniel Jones as their franchise quarterback. That gives the Vikings a chance to right their wrong after letting Jones go in free agency by taking a swing at the uber-athletic Richardson.
Of course, there are also major durability issues with him. In just two years, he’s suffered injuries to his fingers, shoulder, lower back, hip, knee, hamstring, head, and eyes. That’s not much better than McCarthy, who’s only played in ten of 34 possible career games so far.
Kevin O’Connell has a reputation as a quarterback whisperer, and Richardson is young and physically gifted enough to be worth the gamble, provided the asking price makes sense.
Even so, the Vikings might still have to go after a proven veteran in the offseason while both of their youngsters sit and learn for at least another season.
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