The Minnesota Vikings are heading into a pivotal offseason, and the quarterback room is once again front and center. With rookie J.J.
McCarthy expected to get a long look in camp, the team isn’t ruling out the idea of adding a veteran to compete-or even take the reins if needed. But here’s where things get interesting: there’s a scenario emerging where the Vikings could explore the upside of Anthony Richardson while still keeping the door open for a more traditional veteran option like Carson Wentz or Derek Carr.
Let’s unpack this.
The Richardson Possibility
Anthony Richardson, the fourth overall pick in the 2023 draft, is just 23 years old and still full of untapped potential. Minnesota was reportedly high on him during that draft cycle and even tried to move up to get him. Now, with the Indianapolis Colts potentially open to moving on, there’s a window for the Vikings to revisit that interest.
The idea would be to send a Day 3 pick to the Colts and bring Richardson into camp-not as a guaranteed starter, but as a high-upside developmental option. Kevin O’Connell is known for his quarterback-friendly system, and Richardson’s dual-threat skillset could be intriguing in that framework.
The key, though, is not putting all their eggs in one basket. Minnesota saw firsthand last year what happens when the quarterback plan goes sideways.
Veteran Insurance: Wentz and Carr
That’s where the veteran fallback plan comes in. Carson Wentz, 33, is no stranger to the highs and lows of being a starting NFL quarterback.
He had flashes last season in Minnesota before a shoulder injury in London cut his year short-an injury that stemmed from Wentz once again trying to play hero ball instead of protecting himself. Still, his connection with Justin Jefferson was notable.
Jefferson averaged 95.4 yards per game with Wentz under center, a significant jump from his overall season average of 61.6. Wentz might not be the long-term answer, but he can move the offense and get the ball to the team’s best playmaker.
Then there’s Derek Carr. The four-time Pro Bowler retired last season due to a shoulder injury, but he’s said he’d consider coming back for a legitimate Super Bowl contender.
In 2023, his final full season, Carr threw for 3,878 yards with 25 touchdowns and just eight interceptions. He still has the arm, the experience, and the football IQ to run a system like O’Connell’s efficiently.
But acquiring Carr isn’t as simple as calling him up. The New Orleans Saints still control his rights and would likely want draft compensation in return. With Tyler Shough now entrenched as their quarterback of the future, the Saints may be willing to talk-but it won’t come cheap.
A Complicated History, A Clear Opportunity
There’s also some history between these two franchises. The Saints and Vikings have had their share of drama-from the infamous bounty scandal targeting Brett Favre in the 2009 NFC Championship Game, to the controversial Kyle Rudolph touchdown in the 2019 playoffs.
Things even got a little petty when Sean Payton, now in Denver, reportedly forced Minnesota to trade up for J.J. McCarthy just to block them from taking their guy.
But that’s all in the past. Today, the Saints are rebuilding around Shough, while the Vikings are trying to win now, with Justin Jefferson in his prime and Brian Flores dialing up pressure on the defensive side. That gives both sides incentive to make something happen if Carr is truly on the table.
What’s the Path Forward?
The Vikings have options, but they need to be strategic. McCarthy still has the most long-term upside, but Minnesota can’t afford to throw him into the fire if he’s not ready. Developing a rookie quarterback during live games is a risky proposition-just ask any team that’s tried it and watched their season unravel.
Bringing in Richardson gives them a chance to explore a high-ceiling talent without committing to him as the starter. If he flashes in camp, great. If not, they’ll have veterans like Wentz or Carr ready to step in and run the offense.
And if Carr proves too expensive or unavailable? Wentz is already familiar with the system and could benefit from another year in Minnesota. He’s not the flashiest option, but he’s serviceable-and sometimes, that’s enough when you’ve got a strong supporting cast.
Bottom Line
The Vikings are walking a tightrope. They want to develop J.J.
McCarthy, but they can’t afford another season of instability under center. Anthony Richardson offers upside.
Derek Carr offers stability. Carson Wentz offers familiarity.
The front office will need to thread the needle-balancing long-term development with short-term competitiveness.
They passed on the simple route-franchise-tagging Sam Darnold-and now they’ll have to get creative. But with the right moves, Minnesota can avoid a repeat of last season and give themselves a real shot at contending in the NFC.