Andrew Buller-Russ
The Minnesota Vikings are back in the quarterback market this offseason after seeing J.J. McCarthy miss 27 games due to injury since selecting him 10th in the 2024 NFL Draft. After an underwhelming debut season that saw him complete just 57.6% of his passes while having the highest interception rate in the NFL, the Vikings are ready to open up the competition.
Right now, the only quarterbacks on the Vikings’ roster are McCarthy and Max Brosmer, whom they signed as an undrafted rookie last year. The Vikings are sure to add another QB to the mix this offseason, it’s just a matter of who.
On Thursday, Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson requested a trade. According to Cameron Wolfe of the NFL Network, there is a “mutual interest” between Richardson and the Vikings.
Richardson may be looking forward to the opportunity to be coached by Kevin O’Connell, who previously made it known that he’s a big fan of the Colts’ dual-threat QB.
.@Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell had some words of encouragement for @GVOaant ❤️ pic.twitter.com/TaXW9dFaMx
— NFL (@NFL) November 7, 2024
While coach O’Connell appears intrigued by the cannon-armed Richardson, would the Vikings really want two developmental prospects in their QB room, plus 2025 undrafted signee Max Brosmer? That’s a group that requires a lot of coaching, rather than mixing the two current youngsters with a proven veteran who can help his less-experienced teammates find their footing.
Then again, perhaps the Vikings look at Richardson and feel confident that they can unlock the superstar in him. Coach O’Connell hasn’t been afraid to take a chance on former first-round picks before, and both Daniel Jones and Sam Darnold have improved since their stints as a Viking. Perhaps Richardson can do the same, or maybe he’s the Vikings’ next franchise quarterback.
If the price is something like a late Day 2 pick or a combination of higher Day 3 picks, then the Vikings would be wise to take a chance on Richardson, who has the potential to be an MVP-type player. Yet, several teams will likely have interest in the former No. 4 overall pick, and the Colts may feel more inclined to take the best offer possible, rather than the outcome Richardson may prefer.
Related: Minnesota Vikings Trying to Trade Pro Bowl Player
