Carson Wentz, Vikings
Getty
Quarterback Carson Wentz of the Minnesota Vikings.
The Minnesota Vikings drafted JJ McCarthy No. 10 overall two years ago and signed two-time Pro Bowler Kyler Murray on Thursday, but that doesn’t mean they’re finished rounding out the position.
Alec Lewis of The Athletic wrote on Friday, March 13 that he expects the team will add another quarterback to the mix and that it would be “a surprise” if the Vikings chose not to do so. An established veteran makes the most sense, and Lewis mentioned a familiar name as the most likely candidate.
“For all of the upside that comes with Murray’s talent, there is also this downside: He’s started 17 games only once in the last five seasons,” Lewis wrote. “Carson Wentz, who played 300 snaps for the Vikings in 2025, would be the likeliest candidate. There is familiarity and mutual interest between the two sides.”
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GettyIndianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson.
In terms of the 2026 campaign, in which Murray is likely to start and McCarthy will play in just the third season of his four-year rookie contract, a veteran insurance policy like Wentz reads like the most sensible choice.
However, Lewis also mentioned Anthony Richardson of the Indianapolis Colts as a trade candidate for Minnesota given his current market and circumstances. The Colts granted Richardson permission to seek a trade during the NFL combine in February after the No. 4 pick in the 2023 draft lost his starting job to Daniel Jones last preseason.
Richardson is entering the fourth year of his rookie contract, and final year if whatever franchise holds his rights doesn’t pick up a fifth-year team option for 2027 by May 1. He will make less than $5.4 million next season in base salary and bonuses combined.
“Because O’Connell loves a quarterback project, it’s also difficult to rule out former highly-drafted options like Anthony Richardson and Zach Wilson,” Lewis continued Friday.
Kyler Murray’s Future in Minnesota not Guaranteed Beyond Next Season
Kyler Murray, Cardinals
GettyQuarterback Kyler Murray, formerly of the Arizona Cardinals.
Richardson would be an interesting decision for the Vikings in that he could also serve as a hedge against Murray struggling or suffering injury in 2026, or leaving in free agency next spring — all of which are legitimate potential outcomes.
Considering Richardson’s decreased trade value after injuries and struggles marred his first three seasons in the league, his trade market is unlikely to prove robust. If Minnesota comes with an offer of a decent Day 3 pick, perhaps a fifth-rounder, that might be enough to slot Richardson into the quarterback room next season.
Exercising Richardson’s fifth-year option isn’t a feasible plan to keep him in-house for multiple seasons, given the price tag in 2027 is $22.5 million. But if Minnesota trades for Richardson, and if he develops/improves adequately, and if Murray doesn’t return to Minnesota in 2027 for whatever reason, then Richardson becomes a potential longterm pivot away from both Murray and McCarthy next spring.
Having said all that and noting that Richardson’s upside and optionality render him an intriguing trade candidate for the Vikings, inking a QB2 or QB3 with proven starting chops like Wentz is the safest play for Minnesota, which must secure an emergency alternative behind Murray and McCarthy for next season.