NFL: Las Vegas Raiders at Los Angeles Chargers
Sep 20, 2026; Inglewood, California, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) celebrates with Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker (1) after a touchdown against the Los Angeles Chargers during the second half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
With the Nov. 10 NFL trade deadline rapidly approaching, there appears to be a head of steam for the Minnesota Vikings potentially making a quarterback trade.
It’s not hard to see why. Kyler Murray has struggled badly this season and he’s now injured. Meanwhile, the Vikings appear to have a Super Bowl-caliber defense and the only thing missing in Minnesota is more consistent quarterback play.
Amazon Prime Video’s James Palmer reported that while the Vikings haven’t given up on Murray, “that does not mean they won’t address the quarterback position.”
Then, on Friday, ESPN’s Adam Schefter repeatedly said on his podcast that he’s watching the Vikings for a possible quarterback trade, which only adds more fuel to the rumors.
“With everything, I’m watching the Vikings quarterback position,” Schefter said. “I’m watching the Vikings quarterback position. Especially when they have an all-world defense that’s good enough to win a Super Bowl.
“Where they need the quarterback to play well. Where they need the offense to produce. Again, with everything going on, I’m watching the Vikings quarterback position.”
With the comments from Schefter and Palmer, we have to start seriously considering the Vikings as a candidate for a quarterback trade.
So, with that in mind, here’s a look at four options.
Kirk Cousins
NFL: Las Vegas Raiders at New York Jets
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) practices before the game against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium. Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
Kirk Cousins is on borrowed time as the starter in Las Vegas because of the presence of Fernando Mendoza, who could take over as soon as this year.
However, with the Raiders sitting at 4-4, they may not be keen on trading him for anything less than an overpay as they compete for a playoff spot — and that’s especially true if the Raiders don’t think Mendoza is ready to take over.
Cousins has played good football this season and we know he has experience in head coach Kevin O’Connell’s offense after two years in it, so it would be a seamless transition.
Daniel Jones
NFL: Indianapolis Colts at Pittsburgh Steelers
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones (17) warms up before the game against then Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium. Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
With the Indianapolis Colts in the midst of a fire sale as the team prepares to hit the reset button, anything that isn’t nailed down could get traded.
Knowing that, Daniel Jones could be available.
Jones has struggled mightily this season, but he does have at least some familiarity with the offense after his brief stint in Minnesota in 2024, and perhaps a change of scenery to an offense that is a better fit for him could elevate Jones’ play.
Mac Jones
NFL: Denver Broncos at San Francisco 49ers
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Mac Jones (10) jogs onto the field before the game against the Denver Broncos at Levi’s Stadium. Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
Sticking with the Joneses, how about San Francisco 49ers quarterback, Mac Jones?
Jones might be the most expendable quarterback on this list given the fact that he’s a backup, albeit a very good one. The former No. 15 overall pick has revived his stock in San Francisco after he played excellent football last season in place of an injured Brock Purdy.
The Niners have stated publicly they don’t wish to trade him, but if the Chicago Bears’ trade for Jeffery Simmons showed us anything, it’s that anyone can be had for the right price.
Justin Herbert
NFL: Los Angeles Chargers at Los Angeles Rams
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) throws the ball against the Los Angeles Rams in the second half at SoFi Stadium. Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
This is our blockbuster, swing-for-the-fences option for Minnesota.
The Los Angeles Chargers are a total disaster with an 0-7 record and should be looking to deal off pieces, although it doesn’t appear they’re willing to do so, according to reports.
Even still, the Vikings should inquire about Justin Herbert because, as previously noted, just about anyone can be had if the offer is good enough.
Herbert has played at a borderline elite level in the past and could desperately use a change of scenery amid his struggles this season.