Vikings in talks with veteran QB Ryan Tannehill amidst keeping Aaron Rodgers in loop

The Minnesota Vikings reportedly held talks with former Dolphins and Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill to possibly become the veteran backup for JJ McCarthy.

Vikings in talks with veteran QB Ryan Tannehill amidst keeping Aaron Rodgers in loop

Ryan Tannehill linked with Minnesota Vikings (Image via IMAGO)

Ryan Tannehill is the latest veteran quarterback name linked with the Minnesota Vikings. If Kevin O’Connell signs Tannehill, then it will end his year-long wait to find a new team.

Following the exit of Sam Darnold, Nick Mullens, and Dan Jones, the Vikings were left with rookie JJ McCarthy as their only quarterback. O’Connell and general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah started a quarterback hunt that led them to Tannehill.

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On Friday, FOX Sports NFL insider Jordan Schultz reported that the Vikings and Tannehill held preliminary talks.

Sources: The Vikings have had discussions with former Titans QB Ryan Tannehill about a potential deal. Talks are ongoing and nothing is imminent as of right now, sources tell.

Jordan Schultz wrote on X

The Vikings’ search for a veteran quarterback led them to Ryan Tannehill

Teams must fill out two designated quarterback slots, but with McCarthy on the roster, the Vikings searched for options. O’Connell announced that they trust the ex-Michigan man to lead the team in 2025. So they looked for backups.

Vikings in talks with veteran QB Ryan Tannehill amidst keeping Aaron Rodgers in loop
Ryan Tannehill (Image via IMAGO)

Initially, the number of players available in the free agency and for trade encouraged them to shop around. However, they were focused on improving the defense over a quarterback. It resulted in some of the best No. 2s no longer being on the market.

The Kansas City Chiefs signed Gardner Minshew, while Jameis Winston went to the New York Giants.

For a brief period of time, the Vikings played with the idea of signing first-time free agent Aaron Rodgers. Meanwhile, several teams rang the Vikings brass, proposing to trade for McCarthy after hearing that they were interested in Rodgers. If they signed the Super Bowl winner, then he would be the starter instead of McCarthy.

The Vikings then suddenly stopped their pursuit of Rodgers, declaring McCarthy as their future No. 1.

The Vikings have rejected multiple trade calls on J.J. McCarthy, telling other teams they’re moving forward with him as their quarterback, sources say. The team plans to add a veteran. But they’re not pursuing Aaron Rodgers at this time. McCarthy now enters the offseason as QB1.

NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported

Two names, Joe Flacco and Ryan Tannehill, began circulating on social media after Rodgers was out of the picture. Vikings’ insider Paul Allen linked the two veterans as the perfect veteran presence that McCarthy needed.

Yesterday, but here’s where I’d keep my eye for the Vikings backup QB options: a veteran with a clear role like Flacco or Tannehill, or a trade. The comp pick formula matters here. They’re also excited about where J.J. McCarthy is at.

Paul Allen reported via Vikings beat writer Ben Goessling

Flacco or Tannehill?

Flacco shared snaps with Anthony Richardson at the Indianapolis Colts last year. The Colts didn’t re-sign the 40-year-old, and the Vikings may end up being his next team. Before the Colts, Flacco took the Cleveland Browns to the playoffs after going 4-1 in the regular season.

Tannehill, on the other hand, sat out the 2024 season. A year earlier, he was the starter for the Tennessee Titans ahead of Will Levis and Malik Willis. Injuries affected his time and play on the field. He played the final three games, but as his four-year, $118 million deal with a $62 million guarantee (2020) was ending, his days were numbered.

I can keep playing [but] I don’t know what the future holds. We’ll see and we’ll cross that bridge when we get there. But I know I can keep playing. I feel confident that given the right opportunity and the right place I’d love to keep playing,.

Ryan Tannehill told The Tennessean

The Titans released Tannehill, and Willis followed him out of the door to join the Green Bay Packers. Levis became the starter and signed Mason Rudolph from the Steelers.

The Vikings have several options in their hand. They can still explore the Rodgers deal. He will be expensive (2 years, $80 million), or bring in either Flacco or Tannehill for one year as a possible cheaper bridge QB.

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