Andrew Buller-Russ
Even though they’re still searching for their full-time general manager, the Minnesota Vikings believe they have a strong foundation and support system in place. Head coach Kevin O’Connell and defensive coordinator Brian Flores are some of the best offensive and defensive minds in the NFL today. Together, the Vikings have become a place where many young prospects feel they can get the proper development needed to reach their full potential.
Just look at former No. 1 overall pick Kyler Murray as an example. He never lived up to his draft slot across seven seasons with the Arizona Cardinals. Once he became a free agent, he picked O’Connell’s Vikings, though Justin Jefferson’s presence likely didn’t hurt.
Murray was only signed to a one-year contract. He could very well become the Vikings’ franchise quarterback, stealing that opportunity from 2024 first-round pick J.J. McCarthy. If so, it likely means McCarthy’s days are numbered. Thus, the Vikings could then look for another developmental QB to learn behind the soon-to-be 29-year-old Murray.
Right now, the sports community is monitoring the case of Texas Tech and former Indiana QB Brendan Sorsby, who is under NCAA investigation for sports gambling, yet is currently fighting for the opportunity to play in 2026.
However, there’s also the chance that Sorsby declares for the NFL’s supplemental draft, which hasn’t seen a player selected since 2019. Another complication, Sorsby would have to submit his intent to enter the supplemental draft by June 30.
Still, Sorsby’s potential availability to NFL teams later this summer presents an interesting curveball, where teams would then part with a 2027 draft pick for the right to add him to their team right away. Viewed as someone who had a Day 2 grade, but could elevate to a first-round prospect, Sorsby has a strong arm and above-average mobility.
Recently, The Athletic‘s Jeff Howe took a look at which teams may be willing to part with a 2027 draft pick for Sorsby. When doing so, Howe viewed the Vikings, who have an extra third-round pick in 2027 from Philadelphia after the Jonathan Greenard trade, as Sorsby’s floor.
“No one has an extra second-round pick in 2027, but the Vikings, Kansas City Chiefs and Jacksonville Jaguars each have an additional third-rounder. If Sorsby were still available in the third round of a supplemental draft, interested teams might feel compelled at that point to make a bid, recognizing the Vikings could be his floor. That could also be a factor for teams in the second round.”
The Athletic’s Jeff Howe on Brendan Sorsby
Upon first glance, it would seem odd for the Vikings to be linked to Sorsby. Yet, with Murray only playing on a one-year deal and McCarthy being unproven, there’s a chance that the Vikings enter next offseason still searching for future answers at the most important position in football.
Plus, there’s always the possibility that if/when Murray wins the Vikings’ starting QB competition, McCarthy, a former 10th-overall pick, will request a trade. The Vikings may push back strongly on that concept right now, knowing Murray is only signed for the rest of the season.
Yet, as the Vikings get deeper and deeper into their competition, it may quickly become obvious that Murray is the best candidate on the field. That could lead to an early decision on McCarthy’s future in Minnesota, potentially leaving the Vikings with a greater interest in finding another developmental QB with more upside than 2025 undrafted signee Max Brosmer.
That’s where Sorsby could be viewed as the perfect solution. A QB with less pressure on his shoulders to perform right away, given more time to develop, as a ball of clay who is just 22 years old.
Related: 2026 NFL QB Rankings After Aaron Rodgers Re-Joins Steelers
