Even though Green Bay traded him last season, a reunion could make sense. Smith has not signed with a team this offseason, but he is familiar with the organization’s defensive philosophy.
It may not be “likely” that Green Bay will sign Smith, but the move might benefit both parties.
On Saturday, April 5, Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report named Joe Flacco as the free agent best suited to provide McCarthy with direction and offer the Vikings a viable backup option if necessary during the 2025 season.
“While there’s been plenty of buzz about the Vikings and Aaron Rodgers — head coach Kevin O’Connell recently told reporters that the quarterback reached out to Minnesota — Joe Flacco would be a more sensible option,” Knox stated in an email. “With the [Indianapolis] Colts last season, Flacco shown that he can help a young quarterback while still being ready to start in a hurry. He could accomplish the same in Minnesota without attracting the attention that Rodgers would.
Joe Flacco is arguably the best veteran quarterback option to back up the Vikings’ If the Vikings are looking for a veteran, J.J. McCarthy may be the best option.
Minnesota has apparently spoken with Ryan Tannehill about the position, although he sat out the entire season while looking for a chance to start anywhere in the league. A full year away from the game may give the Vikings pause on Tannehill, while many other quarterbacks on the free-agent market lack the resume that Flacco has.
Flacco won Super Bowl MVP with the Baltimore Ravens in 2012 and has been an on-and-off starter in the NFL for the previous two years. He led the Cleveland Browns to a 4-1 record down the stretch of the 2023 season, which culminated in a wildcard playoff berth. He also played in eight games for the Colts last season, starting six of them and finishing 2-4 with 1,761 passing yards, 12 touchdowns, and eight interceptions.
This season, the Vikings don’t need more than a one-year solution at QB2, and finding one at a reasonable price is likely a goal for the front office after investing a significant amount of salary budget room to restructure the offensive and defensive lines.
Spotrac estimates Flacco’s market value at $3.2 million on a new one-year contract that suits Minnesota’s budget.
The Browns, who will need a starting quarterback if they do not choose one with the No. 2 overall pick in the upcoming draft, could pose the most serious challenge to the Vikings in terms of Flacco.
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