NBC insider Matthew Berry, speaking from Indianapolis, suggested Minnesota is not high on McCarthy heading into Year 3. Berry noted whispers that Kyler Murray could be available via trade, but he stressed Murray is not currently on Minnesota’s radar and is more likely to land with a different team.
Berry also named other veteran names that have circulated in Vikings circles, including possible reunions with Kirk Cousins or a potential interest in Geno Smith if he hits the market. He added that Minnesota is “not super interested” in McCarthy’s long-term prospect, anticipating meaningful quarterback competition next season.
Meanwhile, the contractual landscape favors Minnesota in terms of potential deadline deals. Kyler Murray’s status remains unsettled for Arizona, with options including a trade or, less likely, a post-June release that would influence dead money and cap considerations. The Vikings would benefit from any path that reduces long-term cap impact while preserving upside at the position.
For now, Cousins and Geno Smith stand out as veteran options who could be affordable if released by their current teams. Their league-minimum salaries, capped by offsetting amounts from the teams owing their contracts, could offer Minnesota a low-cost path to stability without heavy breathing room on the cap.
Arizona’s approach to Murray, given the heavy dead-money charges tied to releasing him, remains a central factor in whether he becomes a viable option for Minnesota. If Murray becomes available via trade or release, he could represent a multi-year solution at quarterback, aligning with Minnesota’s timeline.
Overall, Minnesota appears to be weighing several veteran paths while placing limited emphasis on McCarthy as the sole long-term answer. The club’s decision-making will hinge on how the league moves at quarterback during free agency, trades, and the broader market for veteran signal-callers.
