Ryan Tannehill
Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
J.J. McCarthy is in line to be the next Minnesota Vikings starting quarterback. That was assumed to be the case when they used a first round draft pick on him last April. Then he got hurt and Sam Darnold turned his one-year deal into a big-time payday.
Now Kevin O’Connell is set to roll with the young quarterback, but he still needs a backup option to complete his quarterback room. Veteran Brett Rypien isn’t going to represent that, and no amount of Aaron Rodgers steam is resulting in a backup either.
Joe Flacco would be cut from the cloth of a clipoboard holder, but there are plenty of other options for the MN Vikings as well. The speculation will continue to run rampant as long as the position is vacant. A previously discussed option is now getting a bit more run.
Ryan Tannehill emerges as an option for the Minnesota Vikings
Former Tennessee Titans starting quarterback Ryan Tannehill is an interesting option for the Minnesota Vikings. He was taken 8th overall during the 2012 draft but was already 24 years old. He transitioned from wide receiver to quarterback and earned draft credibility during his time with Texas A&M. Now multiple years removed from the Miami Dolphins and Titans, he’s on the Vikings radar.
Sources: The #Vikings have had discussions with former #Titans QB Ryan Tannehill about a potential deal. Talks are ongoing and nothing is imminent as of right now, sources tell @NFLonFOX. pic.twitter.com/yF71IYo9Pg
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) March 21, 2025
Fox Sports insider Jordan Schultz is bringing up Tannehill’s name in connection with Minnesota. Last season Tannehill was out of the NFL, but the now 36-year-old has 11 professional seasons under his belt. He played six years with the Dolphins, and then another five for the Titans.
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Tannehill has played in 155 games while drawing 151 starts. He has thrown for 34,881 yards with 216 touchdowns and 115 interceptions. His career 64.3% completion rate isn’t exactly eye-popping, but he earned a Pro Bowl now and Comeback Player of the Year honors in 2019.
Don't think Ryan Tannehill gets enough credit for how he tough he is in the pocket. There are so many examples of him standing in and taking huge shots as he delivers strikes down the field. pic.twitter.com/CQFOmfsMdf
— Robert Mays (@robertmays) June 2, 2021
The Vikings would also be getting a dual-threat quarterback in Tannehill. It remains to be seen how much he would scamper during this late stage of his career. He has compiled 2,103 yards on the ground with 27 touchdowns however. In his last season, 2023, Tannehill ran 17 times for 74 yards and a score.
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In comparison to Flacco, Tannehill would represent a bit more youthful option. Although he hasn’t experienced the same level of success, he has seen plenty of different circumstances at the highest level. Tannehill would be able to provide McCarthy with legitimate backup understanding while keeping the pressure of being a starter at bay.
MN Vikings still must land a backup quarterback
Regardless of whether it is Tannehill, Flacco, or someone else, the Minnesota Vikings still must address their quarterback room. A desire to distance themselves from Dianna Russini’s insistence that they sign Aaron Rodgers is logical, but a backup option has to be brought in.
J.J. McCarthy seems to be trending in a positive direction, and his former teammates are excited for his future. Kevin O’Connell has to safeguard himself for another possible injury. Daniel Jones could have been that option but didn’t see the vision and went to Indianapolis.
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At the end of the day it makes sense for the Vikings to line up a contingency plan over the course of the next month. What that looks like could take some time. Tannehill makes sense as a name to keep in the fold, but he certainly doesn’t have to be the only option.
Mentioned in this article: NFL Free Agency Ryan Tannehill More About:Minnesota Vikings