In recent days, the Minnesota Vikings, who let quarterback Sam Darnold leave and join the Seattle Seahawks, have been linked to future Hall of Fame QB Aaron Rodgers. It has even been reported that the Vikings are Rodgers' preferred destination in free agency.
But they have now moved on from their pursuit of Rodgers and are committed to going with J.J. McCarthy as their QB1. McCarthy, the No. 10 pick in last year's NFL draft out of the University of Michigan, missed all of the 2024 season with a meniscus injury, but is thought to have real potential.
Minnesota would still like to have a veteran signal-caller in the room, perhaps as insurance, perhaps to serve as a mentor for the 22-year-old McCarthy. They could now have a shot at signing a former Pro Bowler to share the position with the incoming second-year man.
Veteran insider Jordan Schultz reported that the team has been talking to Ryan Tannehill, who had been with the Tennessee Titans since 2019.
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
Tannehill, 36, was the No. 8 pick in the 2012 draft and spent his first six seasons with the Miami Dolphins. He was then traded to Tennessee in 2019, where he took his game up a notch.
In his first season with Tennessee, he threw for 2,742 yards and 22 touchdowns in 12 games while leading the NFL in passer rating and yards gained per pass attempt. That was the year the team reached the AFC Championship Game by upsetting league MVP Lamar Jackson and the 14-2 Baltimore Ravens in the divisional round.
In 2023, Tannehill started in eight of his 10 games and posted 1,616 passing yards, four touchdown passes and seven interceptions for the 6-11 Titans. He didn't play last season.
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This story was originally published March 21, 2025 at 9:55 PM.