The Minnesota Vikings took proactive steps to address their quarterback situation by drafting rookie QB J.J. McCarthy and signing free agent Sam Darnold this offseason, though neither move fully met their needs.
With offensive stars like Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and T.J. Hockenson in or approaching their primes, the Vikings are positioned for immediate success. This situation could make them a strong candidate to pursue Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott if contract talks between Prescott and the Cowboys break down over the next year.
Prescott is in the final season of his four-year, $160 million contract and is projected to have a market value of $55.1 million per year. While it’s unusual for a team to pursue a high-profile free agent quarterback a year after drafting one in the top 10, the chance to acquire a three-time Pro Bowler like Prescott—who was a runner-up for MVP last year—is rare and might necessitate bold moves. ESPN analyst Mike Tannenbaum believes that the Vikings and other teams might have that opportunity next March.
Tannenbaum suggested on ESPN’s “Get Up” that it’s more likely Shedeur Sanders could be the Cowboys’ quarterback next year rather than Prescott, given recent comments from Cowboys owner Jerry Jones about the lack of a new deal for Prescott. Jones has hinted at potential uncertainties, mentioning factors like injuries and performance that could influence contract negotiations.
Prescott responded to Jones’ remarks by downplaying their significance, stating he no longer pays much attention to what Jones says publicly.
McCarthy, who was the fifth quarterback selected at No. 10 overall, had to be acquired through a trade and is now out for the season due to a knee injury. Reports suggest the Vikings were also high on Michael Penix, who they reportedly preferred over McCarthy.
With McCarthy injured, Darnold, on a one-year contract, is now the Vikings’ primary quarterback. He was considered a second-tier option in the 2024 free-agent quarterback market, behind established starters like Kirk Cousins and Baker Mayfield.
Darnold’s contract will end after the 2024 season, and McCarthy will have no regular-season experience entering 2025. If Prescott becomes available, the Vikings could make a strong bid for him, given the high demand for his skills across the league.
McCarthy will still be under contract for three more years, with an option for a fifth year in 2028, meaning the Vikings wouldn’t necessarily have to give up on him if they pursued Prescott. Although paying around $5.5 million annually for a backup quarterback is significant, it could be justified by the unique circumstances the Vikings might face next spring.
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