The Minnesota Vikings offense is going to look very different in 2025. Last season, Sam Darnold turned into one of the league’s biggest stories when head coach Kevin O’Connell turned the 27-year-old into a Pro Bowler in 2024. Well, that breakout season came at just the right time as the former first-round pick was able to land a new three-year, $100 million deal in free agency. But it wasn’t with the Vikes and instead he will be the starting QB for the Seattle Seahawks in 2025.
Furthermore, late-season backup Daniel Jones is also heading elsewhere after getting a new multi-year deal and a chance to compete for the QB1 spot with the Indianapolis Colts. That is why Tom Pelissero reported on Tuesday, 2024 first-round pick JJ McCarthy is expected to be the Minnesota Vikings starting QB next season.
But with just one NFL season under his belt, and most of it spent rehabbing a torn meniscus, McCarthy needs a veteran QB to help mentor him through his first year as a starter. With that in mind, here are five vets the team could target in free agency this month.
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Jacoby Brissett
Jacoby Brissett would be the perfect player to serve as mentor to JJ McCarthy in 2025. Mainly because he has done the same for several other young QBs already. In 2021, he helped out Tua Tagovailoa in Miami, then was a key veteran for the Commanders when they let Sam Howell be their starter, and most importantly he aided in Drake Maye’s development in New England.
Yet, what also makes him a player they should target is he can be a competent starter if the youngster suffers an injury or O’Connell prefers to give him more time on the bench early in the season.
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Carson Wentz
Carson Wentz would have a lot to offer a sophomore NFL QB. The nine-year veteran has seen and done a lot in the league. Including going from a Pro Bowler and seeming future star to a journeyman QB who has played for five different teams. There is a lot of knowledge he can impart on the 22-year-old on key do’s and don’t’s for success in the NFL. Plus, he is one of the better backups in the game today.
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Jameis Winston
If the Minnesota Vikings want a mentor who they would like to start early in the season and potentially win games, Jameis Winston would be an interesting option. Yes, he can throw a team out of any game. However, NFL fans have also seen many instances of his impressive showings on any given Sunday. Under the guidance of O’Connell, he could be better than average.
But at the very least, there is much he can teach McCarthy about the ups and downs of the sport and is often seen as a plus in the locker room.
Joe Flacco
Former Baltimore Ravens star Joe Flacco has been around the block during his 17 seasons in the league. If the Vikes are looking for a pure mentor, there are few better options than Flacco. He is not a serious threat to take the starting job and is a rock solid backup that can be on the roster to serve as a big brother to the former first-round pick.
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Marcus Mariota
Another interesting veteran that is available in NFL free agency is the second overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft, Marcus Mariota. The 10-year veteran has played for five different teams and in various systems. He has a boatload of knowledge he can pass on to JJ McCarthy. Especially when it comes to navigating the pressures and expectations of being a first round QB. Plus, he is also one of the better backup signal callers in the game.
Minnesota Vikings Veteran QB Prediction
The Minnesota Vikings are sure to add a veteran QB in the coming days. While there are quite a few good options on the market, the player they likely pursue hard and land will be Jacoby Brissett.