NFL: Minnesota Vikings at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Sep 27, 2026; Tampa, Florida, USA; Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell speaks with quarterback Kyler Murray (1) prior to the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
The Minnesota Vikings are reportedly making calls for a quarterback trade and two teams to keep an eye on are the Las Vegas Raiders and Indianapolis Colts.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter and Ian Rapoport, the Vikings have begun making calls to see if they can land a quarterback with just hours to go before the trade deadline at 4 p.m. ET.
“Developing: The Vikings have begun making calls around the league about trading for a quarterback ahead of today’s 4 pm ET deadline, per Ian Rapoport and me,” Schefter said.
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What’s surprising is the Vikings didn’t begin this process earlier, but I digress.
It’s not hard to see why the Vikings are making calls for a quarterback.
Kyler Murray has not lived up to expectations this season and he’s now dealing with an injury, and Murray’s backup, Carson Wentz, threw up a complete stinker on Monday night.
Raiders, Colts could be targets for Vikings
NFL: Indianapolis Colts at Pittsburgh Steelers
Oct 11, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones (17) warms up before the game against then Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
Two names often linked to the Vikings when it comes to potential quarterback trades are the Indianapolis Colts’ Daniel Jones and the Las Vegas Raiders’ Kirk Cousins, both of whom have spent stints under head coach Kevin O’Connell, which makes them familiar with his offense.
While reports have suggested neither one is actually available, Rapoport has said he believes the Vikings will still look into both.
“They actually have two pretty good options… Here’s what the Vikings have: they have Kirk Cousins, obviously played for them, played for Kevin O’Connell. The Raiders have shown no indication that they would trade him, but at least they could call and see what is there,” Rapoport said on Monday night.
“And then they have Daniel Jones, who obviously was in their building a couple of years ago on the practice squad. Playing still for the Colts. A Colts season that has gone the opposite of where they want to go. Those are two pretty solid options who could be had for draft pick compensation that wouldn’t kill the Vikings. I would expect them to at least look into it tomorrow.”
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The Ringer’s Tom Pelissero reported over the weekend that the Colts have told Jones they won’t trade him, and as Rapoport noted, the Raiders don’t seem keen on trading Cousins.
However, as we saw with the Chicago Bears’ trade for Jeffery Simmons, almost anyone can be had for the right price.
And it’s logical to think the Vikings might be willing to overpay. After all, they have a great defense and a load of weapons in the passing game that makes them a true contender and the only thing missing is reliable quarterback play.
We’ll know by 4 p.m. ET today if the Vikings will make the move this team so desperately needs.