Minnesota's best and most desirable QB2 option....

[StickierBuns]

....might not be available until early September in the last cutdowns around the NFL. Not sure I'd want any of what is currently 'available'. And they can't trade for anyone as they don't have any picks. I guess they could consider giving up a 2026 picks for someone, but I don't think that's optimal. Maybe Bradbury can be the trade comp to get a viable and wanted-by-KOC QB2 he's looking for in that role, I don't know. But I do feel KOC feels this is an important position on the team for McCarthy to learn and mentor from AND be viable if needed for a win in a game or two. I think Daniel Jones was taking too long deciding and Minnesota told him shit or get off the pot as they need to move to Plan B if he's moving on. 

What I find interesting is that we haven't heard squat as a rumor about who the team is looking at for this position, other than what the media is throwing against the wall like they always do to fill the 24/7 sports news cycle. If Rodgers wasn't such a douchebag and could finally accept a backup role at his age he'd be perfect, but we know he's not currently entertaining either and he's a diva unfortunately. But I can't rule that option out 100% yet however as maybe KOC is doing some hardcore due diligence there and he trusts his ability to be salesman extraordinaire. Maybe not. I still believe Rodgers is going to the Steelers as a starter and that's what he prefers. 

I'm very interested to see what happens here. I say all this knowing nothing, just conjecture. The only player I'd half heartedly consider is Jameis Winston. He's light hearted, fun and is very much a team guy. He's a big goofball which has its charms. I bet he'd embrace being in that role with the Vikings. I've said this yesterday but I'd love Marcus Mariota, but I believe Washington likes him very much right where he's at which I get.

[JustInTime]

Mullens to Winston would be a wash. Sound bites would be off the charts. I’d campaign to have Tommason brought back from Denver. Could definitely win some games in the short run if needed.

Minshew could also be an option for much the same reasons. 

This will be interesting to watch.

[Knucklehead]

I could see Carson Wentz as the next KOC QB reclamation project.

[MAD GAINZ]

I think Kevin O'Connell has a certain set of criteria he likes in a QB. He isn't willing to just bring any veteran in or draft any young QB. It has to be the right one.

I wonder if Aiden O'Connell would be available (or if we'd even be interested) with a new HC and Geno Smith taking over as the starter?

[StickierBuns]

I think Kevin O'Connell has a certain set of criteria he likes in a QB.  He isn't willing to just bring any veteran in or draft any young QB.  It has to be the right one.

I wonder if Aiden O'Connell would be available (or if we'd even be interested) with a new HC and Geno Smith taking over as the starter?

Agreed and exactly my point: outside the box thinking because KOC wants a certain type. Not sure the Raiders would part with O'Connell but he might be that exact type. Where does the comp come from however? But I think this type of process is what Michael Silver was tweeting yesterday about the conversation headed by KOC about the QB room is 'very interesting'. I don't think he meant Aaron Rodgers, I think he meant more along the lines of putting certain qualified candidates through the process of 'what if'.

[JimmyinSD]

I would like to see a veteran with playoff experience ( Flacco, maybe Wentz) that knows and accepts his role, but can still step in for a few games if needed.

[JustInTime]

I would like to see a veteran with playoff experience ( Flacco, maybe Wentz) that knows and accepts his role, but can still step in for a few games if needed.

Flacco has that beautiful deep ball that KO might covet.

[MaroonBells]

Flacco has that beautiful deep ball that KO might covet.

I was thinking that certain noodle arm QBs like Keenum and Mac Jones may not be in the cards for that very reason. I think it's important for this offense that the QB has a live arm.

[StickierBuns]

A ha! Great minds! Go get him....

There are a handful of potential options still available in free agency, though Darren Wolfson of KSTP reported on the Tuesday, March 11 edition of “SKOR North” that several in the Vikings organization hold one specific player in high regard:
“There’s still people in this front office going back years that have been fans of Marcus Mariota,” Wolfson said.

[comet52]

Gardner Minshew. Can play ok, isn't going create distractions or expect to start.

Backup QB is mostly irrelevant. If your starter goes down you are going nowhere. And forget "rehab" candidates because KOC is going to expend all his QB whispering mojo on JJM next year.