As previously discussed on Gridiron Heroics, the Minnesota Vikings are expected to be in the market for a quarterback this offseason after J.J. McCarthy’s shaky season and uncertain future. The team may not be able to break the bank, given their current cap situation, and instead settle for a boom-or-bust player, given the recent success of retreads such as Sam Darnold. One possible interest is the Indianapolis Colts’ former fourth overall pick, Anthony Richardson. Richardson is still a raw prospect with issues in his accuracy and mechanics, but he is freakishly athletic and possesses one of the strongest arms in the NFL.
Also Read: “Keep an Eye On”: Minnesota Vikings Have Mutual Interest in Former 4th Overall Pick
The Vikings could also be in play for his teammate.
The Minnesota Vikings are reportedly interested in a reunion
Minnesota Vikings, Daniel Jones
Jan 13, 2025; Glendale, AZ, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Daniel Jones (13) against the Los Angeles Rams during an NFC wild card game at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
The Vikings signed Daniel Jones in November 2024 and let him walk in free agency, offering him a contract far from the one-year, $14 million deal he signed with the Indianapolis Colts. He put together a strong 2025 season and was an MVP candidate for the first two months, completing 68% of his passes for 3,101 yards, 19 touchdowns, eight interceptions, and an 8-5 record. Unfortunately, Jones battled a fractured left fibula before Week 12 and tore his right Achilles in Week 14. Achilles injuries generally require a nine to twelve-month recovery time, meaning he may not be ready for the start of next season.
According to Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports, the Minnesota Vikings are closely monitoring the Indianapolis Colts’ ongoing situation with Daniel Jones, who could end up being franchise- or transition-tagged if an agreement cannot be reached by Tuesday’s tag deadline. Jones mentions that if he doesn’t sign a long-term contract or is franchise-tagged, Minnesota could still pursue him. However, with the Vikings’ current cap situation, they need to clear additional cap space.
“But the Minnesota Vikings are lurking,” Jones said. “Multiple sources have indicated the Vikings are closely monitoring the situation with Indy and Jones. While the Vikings don’t have the cap space right now and would need some cap gymnastics to clear enough space to bring him into the fold, the belief is that the Vikings could shift into gear after Tuesday’s deadline if the Colts don’t issue a tag on Jones.
“Jones spent part of the 2024 season with the Vikings after getting his release from the Giants. Minnesota is in the market for a veteran quarterback after a bad year from former No. 10 overall pick J.J. McCarthy, and there’s mutual respect between Jones and Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell.”
The Vikings quarterback target got tagged, but it’s the other one
Indianapolis Colts, Daniel Jones, NFL
Dec 7, 2025; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones (17) looks to throw downfield against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the first half at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Travis Register-Imagn Images
According to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network, the Indianapolis Colts have placed the transition tag on Daniel Jones rather than the franchise tag. In this scenario, a team like the Minnesota Vikings can offer him a contract, and the Colts have five days to match the offer sheet. If Indianapolis refuses to match Jones’s offer, Minnesota would not have to give up two first-round draft picks to land him. However, he is still expected to sign a long-term contract extension with the Colts, even if the Vikings free up significant cap space and can afford him.
The Colts are placing the transition tag on QB Daniel Jones, sources say.
The sides have been in negotiations on a multiyear contract and those talks will continue. The one-year transition tender is worth $37.833 million and gives Indianapolis the right to match any offer sheet. pic.twitter.com/FBJNIYFr75
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 3, 2026