Former Vikings pass rusher Jared Allen, speaking on Up & Adams, named two veteran options he believes could fit Minnesota: Tua Tagovailoa of the Miami Dolphins and Mac Jones of the San Francisco 49ers. Allen suggested Tagovailoa could work if the offense is supported by better protection and a strong line, pairing well with head coach Kevin O’Connell’s system.
Allen also praised Mac Jones, noting his performance stepping in for Brock Purdy in San Francisco and describing Jones as a talented quarterback who could thrive with the Vikings. He even referenced Sam Darnold’s career turn as a reminder of the kinds of turnaround stories that can shape a team’s qb trajectory.
Beyond those names, there has been chatter about a potential Kirk Cousins reunion in Minnesota. Dianna Russini of The Athletic kicked off the rumors, indicating a speculative fit given Cousins’ relationship with O’Connell and the Vikings’ desire to add competition for McCarthy.
Further clarity came from ESPN’s Adam Schefter, who on Feb. 9 said Cousins is expected to be released by the Atlanta Falcons, opening the door to a range of options, including Minnesota. Schefter noted Cousins would consider all paths, from returning to play to other post-football opportunities.
Taken together, the Vikings appear poised to pursue quarterback competition for McCarthy rather than a straightforward, long-term change at the position. As free agency approaches, the QB market remains highly fluid, with Tagovailoa, Jones, or Cousins among the plausible routes the Vikings could pursue to signal their level of confidence in McCarthy’s development.
