Kirk Cousins is out for the season due to a torn Achilles tendon, a significant setback as he had been performing at a Pro Bowl level, leading the Vikings to three consecutive wins in the last three weeks. Backup QB Nick Mullens is still on injured reserve (IR) for at least one more game, and rookie Jaren Hall has struggled, with a 25% fumble rate in his four regular-season NFL snaps.
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Minnesota has several options for a new quarterback, potentially considering a dozen signal-callers if they think creatively. Free agency offers a cleaner way to add a quarterback without the time constraints of the trade deadline (Tuesday, October 31, at 4 p.m. Eastern Standard Time). However, the free-agent pool includes players who may not be desirable given their current price tags midway through the season.
Trade options, while more complex, offer a more exciting and confidence-inspiring possibility for a playoff run. Leading this group is the former Tennessee Titans quarterback, Ryan Tannehill.
Tannehill is currently recovering from a high ankle sprain sustained on October 15 against the Baltimore Ravens. After missing Sunday’s game against the Atlanta Falcons, he is not expected to start in the Thursday Night Football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on November 2.
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Nate Davis of USA Today suggested a mid-season partnership between the Vikings and Tannehill, who is in the final year of a four-year, $118 million contract he signed with Tennessee in 2020. Davis pointed out that while Tannehill is currently dealing with an ankle injury, his Pro Bowl pedigree and past successes with Tennessee make him a consideration. This is especially relevant since rookie Will Levis’ recent performance suggests Tannehill may have already played his final snap in Nashville.
The Vikings may turn to QB Sean Mannion to lead the team. Mannion is on Minnesota’s practice squad and has previously served as a backup for the Vikings. He may start in the game against the Falcons on November 5, after which Mullens becomes eligible to return from IR. By that time, Tannehill might also be ready to make his debut when Minnesota hosts the New Orleans Saints on November 12.
As a starting quarterback in the NFL, Tannehill has an 80-69 career record with 34,393 passing yards, 214 touchdowns, and 114 interceptions. He was named to the Pro Bowl in 2019 and has two postseason victories with Tennessee.
Although Tannehill may have an impressive resume, Colt McCoy, who has a history with head coach Kevin O’Connell, is also a contender for the Vikings’ quarterback role. McCoy, a 12-year NFL veteran, had a workout with Minnesota in October.
O’Connell has a track record of reuniting with former players, and the Vikings have a history of evaluating free-agent candidates and bringing them on board when injuries necessitate. An example of this approach is offensive guard Dalton Risner, who has started in the Vikings’ last two games.
McCoy, at 37 years old, most recently played for the Arizona Cardinals in 2022 and has been a free agent throughout this season.
