The Minnesota Vikings are navigating some choppy waters right now. With a defense that ranks among the league's elite, playoff aspirations are well within reach.
But the quarterback situation? That's where things get tricky.
Despite their defensive prowess, the Vikings managed to notch nine wins last season, which leaves them without a high draft pick to easily snag a top QB prospect.
Enter J.J. McCarthy, drafted in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft.
Unfortunately, McCarthy's journey has been marred by injuries, missing his entire rookie season and facing further setbacks in 2025. When he did play, the results were less than stellar, raising questions about whether the Vikings might make a bold move this offseason.
One intriguing possibility? Trading for Mac Jones.
Currently with the San Francisco 49ers, Jones finds himself in a backup role behind Brock Purdy. However, Jones has shown enough promise to catch the eye of teams in need of a quarterback boost.
The Vikings continue to see McCarthy as their starter, but the theme for Minnesota this offseason should be competition. McCarthy's performance last year was inconsistent, with a PFSN NFL QB Impact Score of 64.5, ranking him 37th in the league-below average. Yet, thanks to their stout defense, the team finished 9-8.
Bringing in Jones could push McCarthy to elevate his game during training camp. Plus, given McCarthy's injury history, having Jones as a backup plan isn't just smart-it's essential. If Jones wins the starting job, his experience and efficiency could quickly propel the Vikings back into NFC contention.
However, there's a catch. Head coach Kyle Shanahan reportedly has a strong affinity for Jones, and considering Purdy's own injury concerns, the 49ers might be reluctant to part with the veteran QB.
For the Vikings to land Jones, they'd likely need to present an enticing trade offer. While an early draft pick might seem like a hefty price, the Vikings have a history of turning around the careers of players like Sam Darnold, who found new life in Minnesota. Perhaps head coach Kevin O'Connell sees a similar potential in Jones and is ready to take the gamble.
Even if Jones doesn't replicate Darnold's resurgence, he'd still serve as a reliable insurance policy. The Vikings had to rely on Carson Wentz and Max Brosmer in 2025, and Jones undoubtedly presents a better option than those two.