The Minnesota Vikings have ushered in a new era at quarterback, with rookie J.J. McCarthy set to take the reins after being selected in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft.
But as McCarthy prepares for the upcoming season, Minnesota appears to be exploring veteran options to bolster the quarterback room.
According to reports, the Vikings are considering signing former Tennessee Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill.
The move would provide McCarthy with an experienced mentor while ensuring the team has a capable backup should the rookie need additional time to develop.
Tannehill, 36, last started in the 2023 season, competing with then-rookie Will Levis for Tennessee’s QB1 job.
Ultimately, the Titans handed the reins to Levis, leaving Tannehill without a clear path to a starting role.
Now a free agent, the veteran passer is looking for a fresh opportunity – and Minnesota may be an ideal fit.
While McCarthy’s development remains the team’s primary focus, the Vikings are in win-now mode. That makes having a reliable veteran presence crucial, especially with McCarthy coming off an injury.
Tannehill may no longer be the quarterback he once was, but he has proven he can manage an offense efficiently.
During his best years in Tennessee, he thrived alongside stars like Derrick Henry and A.J. Brown, leading the Titans to multiple playoff appearances.
One major factor working in Tannehill’s favor is the offensive system in Minnesota. Under head coach Kevin O’Connell, quarterbacks have consistently performed well.
If the Vikings do bring in Tannehill, he would be expected to serve as McCarthy’s backup, a role that may be more defined than his situation in Tennessee.
Unlike his time competing with Levis, Tannehill would enter Minnesota knowing his primary duty is to support and prepare McCarthy for the starting job.
Minnesota has also been linked to Aaron Rodgers, but the likelihood of the four-time MVP landing in purple seems to be fading (Minnesota’s own choice.)
While not as talented or flashy as Rodgers, Tannehill would provide stability without disrupting McCarthy’s development.
At the end of the day, the Vikings’ priority is setting McCarthy up for success.
Whether that means giving him the starting job immediately or easing him in with a veteran like Tannehill remains to be seen.
Regardless, Minnesota is focused on ensuring that they aren’t left scrambling for answers at quarterback when the season begins.
Tannehill wouldn’t be the long-term answer, but for 2025, he could be the perfect bridge to the future.
What are your thoughts on the rumblings that Minnesota is targeting Tannehill???
