Carson Wentz is set to get the call for the Minnesota Vikings on Monday night against the Buffalo Bills, with Kevin O’Connell telling reporters Thursday that Kyler Murray is dealing with a hamstring injury that will be “week-to-week.” That move gives Minnesota a new starter for the moment, but it hasn’t done much to quiet the chatter about what the Vikings might do before Tuesday’s trade deadline.
One name that has surfaced is San Francisco 49ers backup Mac Jones. Bleacher Report’s Moe Moton made the case on Wednesday that Minnesota should go after him, even if the price is steep.
“According to The Athletic’s Zack Rosenblatt, the San Francisco 49ers might demand a second-round pick and more for Jones, but it would be worth it for the Vikings, who have been trying to stabilize the quarterback position since Kirk Cousins’ departure following the 2023 season,” Moton wrote on Wednesday.
Moton also pointed to Jones’ production last season as a reason the Vikings should be interested.
“In 11 games (eight starts) last year, Jones threw for 2,151 yards, 13 touchdowns, and six interceptions,” Moton continued. “He was a highly productive and efficient starter while filling in for an injured Brock Purdy.”
The urgency for Minnesota goes beyond Wentz alone. If he goes down, the Vikings would be looking at second-year quarterback Max Brosmer, which makes the need for both a sturdier starter and better depth behind him even more obvious.
The biggest complication is San Francisco’s position. The 49ers are 6-1, and they play Minnesota on November 22 in Mexico City. That means Jones would not only be a possible answer for the Vikings’ quarterback situation, but also a player who could affect their matchup with the 49ers later this month.
Minnesota is expected to explore quarterback help, and Jones stands out as one of the most appealing options. The question is whether San Francisco would be willing to send him to an NFC opponent.
In Other News...
Blake Brandel Is Forcing A Vikings Decision Up Front
Blake Brandel has quietly become one of the more important moving parts on the Vikings offensive line since Ryan Kellys retirement opened the door at center. Over the last four games, Brandel has settled in and given Minnesota exactly the kind of stability teams hope to find in a midseason transition, limiting pressure and sacks while drawing solid marks from Pro Football Focus.
Now the question is whether the Vikings treat that as a short-term answer or something more durable. Brandel is in the final year of his contract, and his play has at least made a case for keeping him around for the 2027 season, even as the front office may still prefer to chase a longer-term fix through the draft. [Read more 🡒]
Vikings Suddenly Have A Quarterback Problem They Cant Ignore
Kevin OConnells latest quarterback update only sharpened the uncertainty hanging over Minnesotas most important position. With Kyler Murray sidelined by a hamstring injury and listed week to week, Carson Wentz is set to get the start against the Bills, giving the Vikings a short-term answer while the bigger picture remains murky.
The larger issue for Minnesota is what comes next. Murray and Wentz are both on one-year contracts, and general manager Nolan Teasley is staring at a quarterback room without an obvious long-term solution, limited cap space and an uncertain 2024 draft class. For a team trying to stay competitive, the position could become the defining decision of the offseason. [Read more 🡒]
Justin Jeffersons Frustration Sums Up A Bigger Vikings Problem
Justin Jeffersons frustration after Minnesotas 19-15 loss to the Lions felt bigger than a single disappointing afternoon. The star receiver pointed to missed chances and a need for cleaner execution, a familiar complaint for an offense that has too often left plays on the field when it mattered most. Even with Kevin OConnell choosing to punt late, the Vikings still came away with the same lingering issue: too many opportunities, not enough finish.
Jefferson also made sure to back Kyler Murray after the quarterback went down with a hamstring injury in the game. Murray is set to miss the next matchup against the Bills, leaving Carson Wentz in line to start, and the timing only adds to the pressure on an offense already searching for answers. For Minnesota, the concern is not just one loss or one injury, but whether the unit can finally turn talent into something more consistent before the season slips further away. [Read more 🡒]