Why the Minnesota Vikings Are Waiting to Sign a Veteran Quarterback: Insider Reveals Key Strategy
As the Minnesota Vikings prepare for the 2025 season, all eyes are on J.J. McCarthy, who is set to take the reins as the starting quarterback. The team’s decision to give McCarthy, a former first-round pick, an opportunity to prove himself marks an exciting chapter for the Vikings. However, the franchise is also actively exploring veteran quarterbacks to fill a potential backup role, and new insights reveal why they are taking their time before making a move.
The Vikings initially pursued a reunion with quarterback Sam Darnold, but those plans quickly fell apart when Darnold chose to join the Seattle Seahawks, where he is set to be the undisputed starter. Undeterred, Minnesota then turned its attention to Daniel Jones, but once again found itself on the losing end of a bidding war, as Jones ultimately signed with the Indianapolis Colts.
As the Vikings’ quarterback search seemed to hit another dead end, rumors began swirling that they might turn to Aaron Rodgers, one of the most accomplished quarterbacks in NFL history. However, the team found itself divided on whether to bring in the future Hall of Famer. The idea of McCarthy competing with Rodgers for the starting spot didn’t sit well with some members of the organization, leading the Vikings to back off from pursuing Rodgers, despite his four MVP awards.
While the Vikings may have missed out on several top quarterback options, there are still plenty of viable veteran backup quarterbacks available in free agency. However, new information has emerged explaining why the team is in no rush to make a move.
According to Charles Robinson, Yahoo Sports’ senior NFL insider, the Vikings are likely to wait until after the 2025 NFL Draft to sign a veteran quarterback. Robinson revealed on the Inside Coverage podcast that Minnesota’s reluctance to make a quick move stems from strategic considerations surrounding the NFL’s compensatory pick system. The Vikings are set to receive a third- and a fifth-round compensatory pick for moves made during the offseason, and signing another quarterback before the draft could potentially impact those valuable picks.
By holding off on signing a backup, the Vikings are playing the long game, making sure they don’t sacrifice future draft capital for the sake of a short-term addition. It’s a calculated risk that could pay off in the form of improved roster depth and a stronger draft class in the coming years. As the 2025 season approaches, all eyes will be on how Minnesota navigates this delicate balance and whether they secure the right backup for McCarthy—at the right time.