The Minnesota Vikings are back in the quarterback market this offseason after JJ McCarthy missed 27 games due to injury after being selected 10th in the 2024 NFL Draft. After a tremendous debut season in which he completed only 57.6% of his passes with the highest interception rate in the NFL, the Vikings are ready to begin contending.
Right now, the only quarterbacks the Vikings have on their roster are McCarthy and Max Broesmer, who 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 NFL Network's Cameron Wolfe, there is "mutual interest" between Richardson and the Vikings.
Richardson may be looking forward to the opportunity to be coached by Kevin O'Connell, who has previously made it known that he is a big fan of the Colts' dual-threat QB.
.@Vikings Head coach Kevin O'Connell had some words of encouragement @GVOaant ❤️ pic.twitter.com/TaXW9dFaMx
- NFL (@NFL) 7 November 2024
While Coach O'Connell appears to be concerned with the cannon-armed Richardson, do the Vikings really want two developmental prospects in their QB room, plus 2025 undrafted signee Max Brosmer? This is a group that requires a lot of coaching rather than mixing two existing youngsters with a proven veteran who can help their less experienced teammates find their feet.
Then again, maybe the Vikings look at Richardson and feel confident they can unlock a superstar in him. Coach O'Connell wasn't afraid to take risks on former first-round picks, and both Daniel Jones and Sam Darnold have improved since their tenure as a Viking. Perhaps Richardson can do the same, or perhaps he's the Vikings' next franchise quarterback.
If the price is something like a late Day 2 pick or a combination of a higher Day 3 pick, the Vikings would be wise to take a chance on Richardson, who has the potential to become an MVP-type player. Still, multiple teams are likely to be interested in the former No. 4 overall pick, and the Colts may feel more inclined to take the best offer rather than an outcome Richardson would prefer.
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