Seven games into the 2026 NFL season, the Minnesota Vikings’ offense has yet to find its rhythm. Kevin O’Connell’s attack has struggled to produce consistently, and although more time together could help quarterback Kyler Murray build chemistry and master the system, his early performance has raised questions about whether he is the right fit.
Minnesota is no longer undefeated, but its defense remains strong enough to keep the team competitive. That could make the approaching November 10 trade deadline an important opportunity to address the offense. A running back upgrade may be under consideration, but so could a change at quarterback. Carson Wentz may not be the solution, while Max Brosmer is unlikely to take over the starting role.
Here are seven quarterbacks the Vikings might consider pursuing, depending on availability and the price.
## Spencer Rattler
Spencer Rattler is currently the New Orleans Saints’ backup behind Tyler Shough. The 26-year-old has shown flashes of potential, completing 67.7% of his passes for 1,586 yards, eight touchdowns, and five interceptions across eight starts and nine appearances in 2025.
A change of scenery could appeal to a team that believes Rattler has more to offer. Still, Minnesota would probably view him as a developmental option or a backup rather than a quarterback to install as its starter midway through the season. A deal may make more sense in the offseason, when the Vikings could evaluate his long-term potential without immediately relying on him to lead the offense.
## Jacoby Brissett
Jacoby Brissett was benched during Arizona’s Week 8 loss, raising questions about his future as the Cardinals’ starter. He is not generally considered an elite quarterback, but his experience and careful approach could be useful to a team looking for more stability.
Brissett entered the season with the lowest interception rate in NFL history, a distinction he has since lost to Aaron Rodgers. He has also demonstrated an ability to move the ball through the air—an area where Murray has struggled this season. The key question for Minnesota would be whether Brissett offers enough improvement to justify a trade and a midseason change.
## Daniel Jones
Daniel Jones has a connection to the Vikings, having finished the 2024 season in Minnesota and spent time learning O’Connell’s offense. That familiarity could be an advantage if the team needs a quarterback who can adapt quickly.
Jones was part of the early MVP conversation last season, but he has not looked the same since returning from a torn Achilles. The Indianapolis Colts could consider moving him as they navigate a difficult season, particularly with former fourth overall pick Anthony Richardson still on the roster. For Minnesota, Jones would be a familiar option—but the Vikings would need to decide whether his recent struggles make him a worthwhile upgrade over Murray.
## Justin Herbert
A move for Justin Herbert would be an ambitious possibility. The Los Angeles Chargers have had a poor start, and their season could eventually prompt difficult decisions. Herbert remains a gifted quarterback with a strong arm and the mobility to maneuver within the pocket, even though the offense has not clicked under Jim Harbaugh and Mike McDaniel in 2026.
There is no clear indication that Los Angeles plans to rebuild or trade its franchise quarterback. But if Minnesota is serious about exploring a major change, contacting Chargers general manager Joe Hortiz would be one way to test the market. Herbert would represent a far bigger commitment than most deadline options, and his availability is highly uncertain.
## Geno Smith
Geno Smith is playing on an expiring contract with the New York Jets, and his strong season could lead the team to consider an extension. The Jets, however, are 2-6 and face questions about their direction. Smith is 36, and New York holds three first-round picks in the 2027 NFL Draft, giving the franchise several potential paths to identify a successor.
The Jets also have fourth-round rookie Cade Klubnik, whom the front office may want to evaluate. If New York is willing to move Smith and can receive a solid Day 3 draft pick, Minnesota could explore a deal. The Vikings would need to weigh his current form against his age, contract situation, and the cost of bringing him in.
## Mac Jones
Mac Jones has been a valuable backup for the San Francisco 49ers. He helped the team reach a 5-3 record while Brock Purdy was injured last season, but Purdy is healthy again and playing at a high level in 2026.
Jones is on an expiring contract and remains just 28 years old. After spending the past two seasons in Kyle Shanahan’s system, he may be able to adjust to O’Connell’s offense more easily than a quarterback coming from a very different scheme. Minnesota could view Jones as a possible longer-term option, and acquiring him before the offseason might help the team avoid competing with other interested clubs later.
## Kirk Cousins
Kirk Cousins could be the most appealing option for Minnesota if the Las Vegas Raiders are willing to discuss a trade. Cousins knows O’Connell’s offense better than the other quarterbacks on this list, having previously run it in Minnesota. The four-time Pro Bowler is also playing at a high level, leading the league with 19 passing touchdowns through eight games.
The obstacle is Las Vegas’ situation. The Raiders are 4-4 and may not be ready to sell a productive starting quarterback while still competing for the season. They could wait until closer to the November 10 deadline before deciding whether to make a move. Minnesota might prefer to act sooner, but a deal would depend on the Raiders’ willingness to part with Cousins and the price they would demand.
## The Vikings’ Decision
Minnesota has several theoretical paths if it decides Murray is not the answer for the rest of the season. Rattler and Jones could offer developmental upside or familiarity, while Brissett and Smith would bring experience. Mac Jones could be a younger option with scheme fit, and Cousins would provide the strongest connection to O’Connell’s offense. Herbert, meanwhile, would be a major target whose availability is far from certain.
Any trade would carry risk. The Vikings would have to balance the cost of acquiring a quarterback against the time required for him to learn the system and build chemistry with the offense. With the deadline approaching, the central question is whether Minnesota believes a new quarterback could improve its chances enough to justify making a move now.
