Minnesota Vikings loosely linked to unique football prospect

Even though they are still searching for their full-time general manager, the Minnesota Vikings believe they have a strong foundation and support system. 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 they need to reach their full potential.

Look at former No. 1 overall pick Kyler Murray as an example. He never lived up to his draft slot in seven seasons with the Arizona Cardinals. Once he became a free agent, he chose O’Connell’s Vikings, although the presence of Justin Jefferson probably didn’t hurt.

Murray was only signed to a one-year contract. He could become the Vikings’ franchise quarterback, stealing that opportunity from 2024 first-round pick JJ McCarthy. If so, it means McCarthy’s days are numbered. Thus, the Vikings may soon be looking for another developmental QB to learn behind the 29-year-old Murray.

October 14, 2023; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Brandon Soursby (15) passes in the first half against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Right now, the sports community is monitoring the case of Texas Tech and former Indiana QB Brandon Sorsby, who is under NCAA investigation for sports gambling, yet is currently fighting for the opportunity to play in 2026.

However, there is also a possibility that Soursby declares for the NFL supplemental draft, which has not had a player selected since 2019. Another complication, Sorsby must submit his intent to enter the supplemental draft by June 30.

Still, Soursby’s potential availability to NFL teams later this summer presents an interesting curveball, where teams would part with a 2027 draft pick for the right to add him to their team immediately. Viewed as someone who had a Day 2 grade but could rise to a first-round prospect, Soursby has a strong arm and above-average mobility.

recently, athleticJeff Howe takes a look at which teams might be willing to part with a 2027 draft pick for Soursby. In doing so, Howe looked to the Vikings, who have an extra third-round pick in 2027 from Philadelphia after the Jonathan Greenard trade, as Soursby’s destination.

“No one has an extra second-round pick in 2027, but the Vikings, Kansas City Chiefs and Jacksonville Jaguars each have an extra third-rounder. If Soursby was still available in the third round of the supplemental draft, interested teams may feel compelled to make a bid at that time, recognizing that the Vikings could be his destination. This could also be a factor for teams in the second round.”

The Athletic’s Jeff Howe on Brendan Sorsby

At first glance, the Vikings’ connection to Sorsby would seem strange. Still, with Murray only playing on a one-year contract and McCarthy undrafted, it’s likely the Vikings will enter next season still The search for answers to the future 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 can push firmly on that concept right now, knowing that Murray is only signed for the remainder of the season.

Still, as the Vikings get deeper into their competition, it may soon become clear that Murray is the best candidate on the field. This could lead to an early decision on McCarthy’s future in Minnesota, potentially making the Vikings more interested in finding another developmental QB over 2025 undrafted signee Max Broesmer.

This is where Sorsby can be seen as the perfect solution. A QB who has less pressure on his shoulders to perform immediately is given more time to develop than a ball of clay who is just 22 years old.

RELATED: 2026 NFL QB rankings after Aaron Rodgers rejoins the Steelers

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Kansas City Chiefs loosely linked to 10x Pro Bowl quarterback as ‘Patrick Mahomes insurance’

Last season, the Kansas City Chiefs’ playoff hopes ended just as Patrick Mahomes’ season ended with a torn ACL after 14 games. Since the injury occurred so late in the season (December 14), it is likely that Mahomes will not be ready to start in Week 1.

While the Chiefs missed the postseason for the first time since 2014, another 6-11 season would not be acceptable for a team that has won three Super Bowls since 2019. On Monday, the Chiefs traded for former first-round quarterback Justin Fields. Many assumed he would take over as Mahomes’ backup and/or take over the Chiefs’ QB1 duties until Mahomes was ready.

But, what if he was brought in to provide coach Andy Reid with a specific piece to his offense, even if that means using specific packages or possibly a tush push? Certainly Mahomes won’t be suddenly used in that role, especially after suffering a torn ACL.

In other words, what if the Chiefs are still eyeing another, more traditional QB to join the depth chart?

Recently, the Chiefs were reported to be discussing signing Russell Wilson in free agency.

Florio wrote, “On Monday morning, before the Chiefs traded for former Jets quarterback Justin Fields, someone was throwing spaghetti over the question of whether Kansas City was keeping an eye on Russell Wilson as Patrick Mahomes insurance.”

While that idea may have gone away after adding Fields, what if signing the 10-time Pro Bowl QB is still on the table? After all, as Florio later said, there aren’t many clear-cut starting opportunities left.

Eventually, Wilson would have to give up his pride and accept the role of backup QB. Unless, of course, he wants to play at all and remain unsigned, in the hopes that one of the team’s starters will suffer an injury that will keep him out for a good portion of the season.

After all, there aren’t many quarterbacks available who are as capable as the former Super Bowl winner. Plus, after starting just three games last season, the 37-year-old won’t be able to demand much as a free agent, especially if his phone isn’t going off.

RELATED: 2026 NFL Mock Draft After NFL Free Agency Negotiation Window

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