MVP Quarterback Tied to Minnesota Vikings 

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Lamar Jackson
Credit: Kayla Wolf-Imagn Images

The 2025 season did not go according to plan for the (8-8) Minnesota Vikings, after they spent more money over the offseason than just about any other team in the NFL.

Unfortunately, not even Brian Flores and a surprisingly dominant defense could keep the Vikings QB problems from sinking their playoff dreams.

Speaking of quarterbacks, we do not know yet whether or not JJ McCarthy will play, as he recovers from a hand injury suffered week 16. Whether he plays or not, it won’t answer the many QB questions the MN Vikings have entering the offseason.

All options should be considered at the quarterback position, but their fastest way to a recovery season in 2026 is to find an already established quarterback who is ready to take over a playoff-caliber roster.

Lamar Jackson a fit for the Minnesota Vikings

So far, they’ve been linked to a dissatisfied Joe Burrow in Cincinnati. If he becomes available, Minnesota will be one of the many teams lined up to negotiate with the Bengals. But he may not be the only superstar QB the Vikings are eyeing.

If the Baltimore Ravens really are intent on moving Lamar Jackson, at least one NFL agent told Mike Sando (The Athletic) that he “loves Minnesota as an under-the-radar destination” for the 2X NFL MVP, who’s about to turn 29 years old in a week.

The agent loved Minnesota as an under-the-radar destination. The Vikings would send J.J. McCarthy to Baltimore as part of the deal, giving both QBs a fresh start.

Jackson on artificial turf, in a dome? Look out. McCarthy with a Harbaugh? Worked well at Michigan, where his coach was Jim, not John. The Ravens, long rooted in the draft, could put the extra draft picks to use wisely (they drafted Jackson at No. 32, after all).

Minnesota, stung by the success Vikings alums Sam Darnold and Daniel Jones enjoyed this season while McCarthy faltered, would recover in spectacular fashion, changing the dynamics of the NFC North.

Mike Sando – The Athletic

It seems logical that, short of running into a big name quarterback on a one-year deal in free agency, which is unlikely, that the Minnesota Vikings would dangle J.J. McCarthy in a trade package for someone like Burrow or Jackson.

As mentioned, McCarthy would make sense for Baltimore if they are indeed looking for a restart. JJ has already played for little brother, Jim. His brother John would be a perfect coaching fit, too.

Can the Vikings afford Jackson?

Lamar Jackson was a first team All-Pro last year, for the second-straight season and third time of his career. He won his last AP MVP award in 2023. He has two years of his $260 million contract remaining.

This offseason the MN Vikings are more than $35 million over the cap already. Jackson carries a $74.5 million cap hit next season, which is the opposite of what Minnesota envisioned when drafting McCarthy, and the basis of these trade rumors.

In September the NFL ranked Lamar Jackson as the number two player on the top 100 for 2025. Through just 12 games this season, Jackson has passed for 2,311 yards (63.7% completion rate) and a 18/6 TD/INT rate.

If this seemingly impossible move came to fruition, Lamar would immediately become the most athletic Vikings QB ever, and make Minnesota a legitimate Super Bowl contender one year removed from not making the playoff field.

How much do they want to invest in the position, after trying to go the cheap route in 2025 flopped so miserably? We will soon find out.

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