Report: Vikings Target Retired Quarterback in Surprising Move

The Minnesota Vikings appear poised to make a bold move at the quarterback position heading into the 2026 NFL season, potentially targeting a player who has been out of the league for an entire year.

Despite high expectations for their young signal-caller, the team has faced significant challenges that have prompted discussions about bringing in a more experienced option to lead the offense.

Last season, the Vikings placed their hopes on J.J. McCarthy, the former Michigan standout selected in the first round, to serve as the full-time starter. His performance fell short of expectations, however, as he connected on just 57.6% of his throws while accumulating 1,632 passing yards, 11 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions across his appearances.

These numbers highlighted inconsistencies that prevented him from locking down the role long-term, raising questions about his readiness despite his youth and limited experience of only 10 career starts.

ESPN analyst Kevin Seifert has pointed out the team’s evolving approach to the position.

“In the big picture, McCarthy is a talented player who just turned 23 and has a total of 10 NFL starts. Few NFL teams would give up on a quarterback with that profile, and many team builders are particularly enamored with optimizing a quarterback’s rookie contract. Adofo-Mensah was one of them, but his departure is a reminder of the range of outcomes that approach can lead to,” Seifert said.

“If anything, these events increase the chances that the Vikings will take a big swing at finding a veteran quarterback who could start in 2026. The only thing more damaging than making the mistakes the Vikings made last season would be to repeat them this year.”

Seifert’s observations underscore a shift in strategy, especially following changes in the front office and the need to avoid repeating prior errors. The Vikings are reportedly open to exploring various avenues to upgrade the position, including veteran additions that could provide immediate stability and elevate the team’s competitiveness in a tough NFC North division.

One name that has surfaced prominently in connection with Minnesota is Derek Carr, the 34-year-old former starter for the New Orleans Saints.

Carr has not played since the 2024 campaign, when he appeared in 10 games and posted a 67.7% completion rate along with 2,145 yards, 15 touchdowns, and five interceptions before stepping away. His exit from the league stemmed from a right shoulder injury that required time to heal.

Ben Goessling of The Minnesota Star Tribune has noted the growing chatter around Carr.

“Carr’s name came up more than I thought it would,” Goessling said when discussing Minnesota’s quarterback situation.

This interest reflects the Vikings’ urgency to find a reliable arm capable of capitalizing on their talented roster.

Carr officially retired ahead of the 2025 season due to concerns over his shoulder, including a labral tear and rotator cuff issues. However, recent reports indicate he has made significant progress in rehabilitation, with no current limitations on his throwing. He has expressed openness to returning under specific conditions.

During an episode of his “Home Grown” podcast, Carr addressed the possibility of a comeback. He indicated he would consider unretiring if healthy and presented with a legitimate opportunity to compete for a championship. This stance has fueled speculation, as several teams with strong rosters and playoff aspirations have reportedly shown interest in his services.

For Minnesota, the fit could make sense on paper. The team achieved a 14-3 record in 2024 under head coach Kevin O’Connell but missed the postseason last year amid quarterback struggles. With playmakers like Justin Jefferson and a scheme that emphasizes efficiency, a veteran like Carr could provide the steady leadership needed to push the Vikings back into contention in the NFC.

Whether Carr would ultimately choose the Vikings—or if the Saints would facilitate a trade for his rights—remains uncertain. The situation adds an intriguing layer to Minnesota’s offseason plans, as the franchise weighs the development of McCarthy against the potential benefits of a proven quarterback.

Time will reveal if this unusual pursuit materializes into reality.