What Were They Thinking? Vikings Drop the Ball in Shocking Move
Did the Vikings Just Fumble Their Quarterback Plan? Inside Minnesota’s Costly Offseason Misstep
The Minnesota Vikings are entering the 2025 season with a fresh look—but perhaps not in the way fans were hoping. After a promising 2024 campaign, the quarterback room has undergone a major shake-up, and the decisions made (or not made) this offseason could come back to haunt them.
First, Sam Darnold—who revived his career in Minnesota—signed with the Seattle Seahawks, leaving a notable void under center. With veteran options available, the Vikings had a choice to make. And while they’ve clearly thrown their support behind rookie J.J. McCarthy, their latest move (or lack thereof) is raising eyebrows across the league.
On Friday, NFL insider Adam Schefter reported that veteran quarterback Joe Flacco inked a one-year, $4 million deal with the Cleveland Browns, turning down interest from both the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Vikings. Yes, Minnesota was in the mix—until they weren’t. Instead of adding a Super Bowl MVP and 2023 Comeback Player of the Year to back up or mentor McCarthy, they passed. And that could be a serious mistake.
Flacco, who led the Ravens to a championship in 2013, proved he still had juice last season when he stepped in for the Browns and helped lead them to the playoffs. His experience and steady presence could have been invaluable for a young quarterback like McCarthy navigating his first full NFL season.
Currently, McCarthy’s only backup is Brett Rypien—a serviceable but unproven option. The Vikings reportedly explored big names like Aaron Rodgers, who was recently released by the Jets, but ultimately decided to go all-in on their rookie. Rodgers now appears headed to Pittsburgh, further limiting Minnesota’s choices.
Now, with only four picks in the upcoming NFL Draft, and most of them likely going toward positions of greater need—like the secondary or offensive line—the Vikings may not have many shots left at bolstering their QB depth. A late-round flyer is possible, but won’t inspire much confidence.
There are still a few veteran free agents available, such as Carson Wentz or Drew Lock, but none bring the leadership and playoff pedigree Flacco could have provided.
Minnesota might not be in crisis mode yet—but passing on Joe Flacco could go down as a major misstep in an offseason where every decision counts. With a rookie quarterback at the helm and little proven depth behind him, the margin for error is razor-thin.