Three QB Options for Vikings: Ryan Tannehill, Trey Lance, and More

The Minnesota Vikings have faced a tough situation at the quarterback position over the past couple of years, marked by significant injuries. Kirk Cousins suffered a torn Achilles in the middle of the 2023 season, and now rookie J.J. McCarthy will be sidelined for the entire 2024 season due to a torn meniscus.

From a medical standpoint, McCarthy’s decision to undergo a full meniscus repair is advantageous, as it will likely contribute to less long-term damage to his knee. However, in the short term, losing McCarthy is a considerable setback for the Vikings, who had hoped to see him thrive in his rookie season.

With McCarthy out, the Vikings are looking toward veteran Sam Darnold as the primary solution. Darnold is expected to start the 2024 season as the top quarterback, having displayed a smooth transition to head coach Kevin O’Connell’s system during early summer practices. His new teammates have expressed confidence in his ability to revitalize his career, which could be crucial for the team moving forward.

However, questions remain about the team’s depth. What if Darnold encounters difficulties, especially early in the season when key players like Jordan Addison and T.J. Hockenson might not be available? The Vikings also have Nick Mullens and Jaren Hall as backup options, but neither established themselves as reliable alternatives when Cousins was injured last season.

Considering these uncertainties, here are three possible emergency quarterbacks the Vikings might pursue for the upcoming season.

Ryan Tannehill, the former Tennessee Titans quarterback, remains one of the few starting-caliber quarterbacks available in free agency. While he has been selective about job offers in previous months, he may be a viable option for Minnesota. If Tannehill is open to a backup role, he could find opportunities to start, supported by a well-rounded team. At age 36, his style aligns well with a play-action offensive scheme, making him a reasonable short-term option for the Vikings.

Another potential target is Trey Lance. Currently struggling to secure a backup position with the Dallas Cowboys, Lance could be available for trade as his rookie contract enters its final year. The Vikings had shown interest in acquiring Lance prior to the 2023 draft, and his athleticism presents a promising upside. At just 24 years old, he could serve as a younger alternative to Darnold while McCarthy continues his recovery.

Lastly, Taylor Heinicke could also be a candidate. After spending seven years since his time with the Vikings, Heinicke might be obtainable through a low-cost trade following an inconsistent start to the 2024 preseason with the Atlanta Falcons. With a new backup in Michael Penix Jr., Heinicke’s availability could open up. Known for his aggressive style and competitive nature, he could provide valuable experience in critical situations, evidenced by his 29 career starts.

As the Vikings navigate this challenging quarterback landscape, the decisions they make in the coming weeks will significantly impact their season. Finding the right balance between experience and potential will be key as they aim to recover from these quarterback setbacks.