The Minnesota Vikings have expressed interest in long-term experienced quarterback alternatives to back up J.J. McCarthy, but based on the available choices, the organization may eventually choose younger.
On Friday, March 21, Moe Moton of Bleacher Report proposed a cheap trade in which the Vikings send the Tennessee Titans a fifth-round pick in exchange for former second-round quarterback Will Levis and a sixth-round pick.
“According to NFL insider Josina Anderson, the Titans ‘would like to transition’ from Will Levis,” Moton posted on Twitter. “If McCarthy has a setback in his recovery from two meniscus tears or a rough offseason, Levis can provide veteran insurance until the Vikings get their quarterback of the future ready to lead the huddle.”
Levis has had moments in his two-year NFL career, but he has largely struggled to safeguard the football, leading the Titans to a 5-16 record in 21 regular-season starts. He has 3,899 passing yards, 21 touchdowns, and 16 interceptions in that time, as well as 240 rushing yards and one touchdown on the ground.
Levis was taken 33rd overall by the Titans in 2023, and he has two affordable years remaining on his $9.5 million rookie contract. McCarthy is entering the second season of his four-year, $22 million contract, and teaming the two would give the Vikings one of the most affordable quarterback rooms in the league.
That type of financial value under center enabled Minnesota to overhaul its offensive and defensive lines this offseason, as well as re-sign Pro Bowl cornerback Byron Murphy Jr. to maintain some talent and continuity in a secondary that will see significant turnover from 2024 to 2025.
If the Vikings need to rely on him for an extended period of time during the regular season for whatever reason, concerns about Levis’ ability to succeed in a starting role are understandable given his experience in Tennessee.
However, the squad has a star-studded group of skill players, and head coach Kevin O’Connell has made Josh Dobbs, Nick Mullens, and Sam Darnold stand out in his offense. As a result, it’s reasonable to expect Levis, who is only 25 years old, to make significant progress if he is exposed to Minnesota’s football culture over time.
If the Vikings decide they don’t want Levis or can’t make a trade for him work, they are also in talks with Ryan Tannehill, another former Titans quarterback.
Tannehill sat out the entire season last year, looking for a shot to start but never getting it. A whole year away from the game is undoubtedly cause for concern for Minnesota, but Tannehill has a long track record of relative success that supports his position as the team’s quarterback number two.
He is a one-time Pro Bowler with 151 regular-season starts and a career record of 81-70. Tannehill made the playoffs three times with the Titans (2-3) and played in the AFC Championship Game following the 2019 season.
Tannehill has 34,881 passing yards, 216 touchdowns, and 115 interceptions in 11 seasons as a starter in Tennessee, and before that with the Miami Dolphins.
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