1-Year Rentals: Every one-and-done starting QB in Vikings history

Minnesota has made multiple attempts to draft and develop a young quarterback ever since the retirement of the legendary Fran Tarkenton in 1979. But none of these attempts have resulted in the Vikings finding a signal-caller who could make an impact anywhere close to what Tarkenton was able to do for the franchise during his tenure.

Instead, Minnesota has both willingly and unwillingly resorted to relying on veteran quarterbacks who typically arrive desperate to get their NFL careers back on track and then leave after only one season, regardless of how well or poorly they performed.

Think of these quarterbacks as movie rentals on the shelf at an old video store. Some left a lasting impression on Vikings fans, good or bad, and others didn't even do enough to be remembered.

Just like a movie rental, though, their tenures in Minnesota were only temporary before it came time for another fanbase to get an opportunity to see what they could do inside their favorite team's VCR, er, home stadium.

Every one-and-done starting QB in Minnesota Vikings history

The criteria to qualify as a Vikings one-and-done quarterback is simple. The player isn't someone who was drafted by Minnesota, they had to start at least one regular-season game with the Vikings, and their time with the purple and gold didn't last any longer than one year.

Based on these requirements, 12 former Minnesota quarterbacks qualify, and Murray could potentially become the 13th if he starts for the team next season and doesn't re-sign with the Vikings in 2027.

But for now, we're going to focus on the 12 who are no longer members of Minnesota's roster.

Vikings One-And-Done QBs

- Sam Darnold (2024): Greatest Vikings one-year QB ever?
- Josh Dobbs (2023): Dobbs-sanity will never be forgotten
- Case Keenum (2017): More than just a miracle worker
- Josh Freeman (2013): Set up to fail
- Donovan McNabb (2011)
- Kelly Holcomb (2007)
- Spergon Wynn (2001)
- Jeff George (1999)
- Jim McMahon (1993)
- Tony Adams (1987)
- Norm Snead (1971)
- George Shaw (1961)