Five 2026 QB options for Vikings: Rising division-rival backup an intriguing option as offseason looms

J.J. McCarthy didn't help his case of being a long-term answer at quarterback for the Minnesota Vikings this season.

While he gets one more chance to showcase why he can be the solution at the position going forward in Week 18, The Athletic NFL insider Dianna Russini's Saturday report suggests the Vikings have already decided to bring in competition this offseason.

"McCarthy will return ... next season, but that doesn't guarantee he'll be the starter," Russini wrote.

"Over the next few months, sources say, Minnesota plans to explore established options via trade or free agency to strengthen its quarterback room."

Considering head coach Kevin O'Connell's track record of success with quarterbacks, a solid defense and outstanding supporting cast led by wideout Justin Jefferson, the Vikings will be one of the more attractive teams in the QB market. 

Here are five players they should consider for 2026.

Houston Texans quarterback Davis Mills

Mills, 27, filled in admirably for an injured C.J. Stroud with Houston's season on the brink at 3-5, leading the team to three consecutive wins, including an incredible comeback from 19 points down in the fourth quarter against the Jacksonville Jaguars (12-4) in Week 10. He started 26 games over his first two seasons for a then-rebuilding Texans organization and is 88-of-150 (58.7 percent) for 879 yards, five touchdowns and one interception this season. 

He's owed a $6 million base salary in 2026, which the Vikings should easily be able to manage even as they sit in a precarious cap position, ranking No. 31 in cap space, per Over The Cap, at negative-$38.288M.

Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa

The Dolphins would need to be desperate enough to part with Tagovailoa to eat a considerable portion of his future earnings for a deal to be palatable, and that can't be ruled out as the team embarks on a pivotal offseason. Tagovailoa isn't a very appealing option after throwing 15 interceptions this season before being benched for rookie seventh-rounder Quinn Ewers, but the Vikings would be perhaps his best chance of experiencing a career revival.

New Orleans Saints quarterback Spencer Rattler

Tyler Shough is the Saints' future at quarterback, and while there's value in keeping Rattler as an inexpensive, serviceable backup, New Orleans might benefit more dealing him for draft capital. Despite only having one career win in 14 starts, Rattler showed noticeable growth in his second NFL season and could take another leap forward in Minnesota.

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers

Until Rodgers officially retires, he could be an option anywhere there's an opening. Nowhere near the player he was at his MVP peak, it's still hard to identify 32 quarterbacks better, so the Vikings could certainly do worse. He's thrown for 3,028 yards, 23 touchdowns and seven interceptions this season to show there's still something left in the tank. 

Green Bay Packers quarterback Malik Willis

Willis' first opportunity as a starting quarterback with the Tennessee Titans didn't go well, but he's bounced back in Green Bay. In two seasons, he's appeared in 11 games with three starts and is 70-of-89 (78.7 percent) for 972 yards, nine total touchdowns and no interceptions. He's been an incredible reclamation project for Packers head coach Matt LaFleur, and it could ultimately be to Green Bay's biggest rival's benefit.