The Minnesota Vikings have a quarterback problem.
It might be one of the league's worst kept secrets, especially since the solution clearly isn't coming from within. The Kyler Murray experiment has failed to this point and the quarterback is now sidelined with a hamstring injury. Carson Wentz put together a clunker on "Monday Night Football" against the Buffalo Bills in what was a dreadful performance
.Quarterbacks don't grow on trees though and the options are far from plentiful before the NFL trade deadline.
However, the Vikings have to explore the market. Minnesota is 6-2 and possesses one of the league's best defenses that gives the team a chance in every game. There is an argument to be made that the Vikings would be a Super Bowl frontrunner
or at least a legitimate contender with average quarterback play.
So if the Vikings can find a trade partner with a quarterback option that makes sense, they could jump at the offer – provided it doesn't break the bank. The defense deserves that much from the front office.
After all, the bar at quarterback couldn't be lower in Minnesota. Here's a look at a couple quarterback options that make sense for the Vikings on deadline day:
Vikings QB trade options
Daniel Jones, Indianapolis Colts
The Ringer's Tom Pelissero reported Sunday evening that Indy informed QB Daniel Jones before Sunday's Week 9 game they’re not trading him at the deadline. However, plans change quickly and perhaps Jones would welcome a move to a contender. And if the Colts receive an offer they can't refuse, it would be difficult to keep the quarterback.
Quenton Nelson and DeForest Buckner were both traded, signaling the official start of a rebuild for the Colts. And while Jones hasn't been playing at the level of someone like Kirk Cousins, an interested team like the Vikings might try to convince themselves it's a product of the situation in Indy.
Jones returned this season after a torn Achilles cut his resurgent 2025 campaign short, but it has been to less-than-stellar results. His numbers have dropped across the board, including an upside-down touchdown-to-interception ratio that includes six TDs and 10 INTs. The quarterback hasn't displayed the same level of mobility, which begs the question – what would an acquiring team be hoping for?
The Vikings do have some history with the quarterback. Jones wouldn't be walking into an unknown situation where he'd have to learn a new offense under Kevin O'Connell. Jones joined the Vikings after being released by the Giants in Nov. 2024. He stuck around on the practice squad through the end of the season before leaving in free agency to sign with the Colts.
If the Colts are willing to listen, this is one reunion that makes sense for the Vikings to explore.
Kirk Cousins, Las Vegas Raiders
When it comes to trade candidates for the Vikings, consider this one to be the dream scenario. He is the perfect veteran option for a team that just needs someone to deliver the ball on-time to some open receivers. He can complete a screen pass and knows O'Connell's offense.
In other words, what more could you ask for?
However, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported on Nov. 8 that the Raiders hadn't received any calls for Cousins and also have no interest in trading him. After another loss, would Vegas be willing to change its stance? They should at least consider it.
The writing is on the wall in Vegas. While the Raiders are competing for a playoff spot, everyone knows Fernando Mendoza is the future for the franchise. He'll eventually take over the starting job, likely at some point this season.
It makes sense to explore a Cousins trade, given the quarterback injuries across the league. If the Raiders are taking an honest outlook this season, they'll recognize this isn't a Super Bowl-caliber team. However, there is a chance that their future Super Bowl hopes are decided by what happens at the deadline. Does trading Cousins actually hurt Mendoza's development? Losing a veteran voice as he takes over could do more harm than good.
On the other hand, Cousins might be exactly what a potential contender like Minnesota needs. Another year removed from a torn Achilles, the quarterback is playing at a high level. Maybe even high enough to book a one-way trip out of Vegas.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Vikings QB options include a pair of reunions before NFL trade deadline
