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The Minnesota Vikings are expected to look for a quarterback in the upcoming offseason. However, the main question is what kind of quarterback they want to target.
Minnesota could sign a traditional backup to support J.J. McCarthy, or they might go after someone capable of pushing the second-year quarterback. But is there a chance the Vikings aim for a player who could take over as the starter?
On the December 30 edition of “The Alec Lewis Show,” The Athletic’s Alec Lewis listed multiple quarterback options that the Vikings might consider, like Daniel Jones and Aaron Rodgers. Nonetheless, there’s another name from within the division, Green Bay Packers‘ Malik Willis.
“Kind of a newcomer, probably to list in Malik Willis, who has looked really, really good stepping in for Jordan Love in Green Bay. The system familiarity matters. He hasn’t thrown a ton over the middle of the field. So, that would definitely be something the Vikings would have to sift through. And then what is his contract going to look like?
“Like maybe Miami or Las Vegas or another team. Indianapolis even views Malik Willis as someone they want to make a sizable bet on. How far would the Vikings be willing to go? So that’s kind of the realm that these four names are in.”
Willis will test the market this offseason, as the Packers’ backup is an unrestricted free agent, per Spotrac.
Aaron Rodgers Floated as Potential QB Option for Vikings
Lewis mentioned Rodgers while listing potential quarterback options for Minnesota. Moreover, with the Pittsburgh Steelers star can test free agency again this upcoming offseason with his current contract set to expire. As a result, Lewis believes that the veteran signal-caller might be a strong option for the Vikings.
“Aaron Rodgers is a free agent,” Lewis added. “Does Aaron Rodgers want to play another season? Would the Vikings be willing to just name him as the starter, because that’s what he would come here to do? Obviously, he’s a name I have to put here because of the conversations he and Kevin O’Connell had last offseason.
“Because his production, if he produced like he has done this year for the Vikings in 2026, with the same type of defense and the same coordinator and the same weapons, the odds would be that the Vikings would be in the playoffs, and probably compete in the first round for sure.”
Vikings Need to Improve Running Back Position in 2026
While the Vikings have to focus on the quarterback position, other areas also need attention. The running game, in particular, requires an upgrade, as the team is not on pace for a 1,000-yard rusher—Jordan Mason leads with 664 yards.
With Aaron Jones Sr. at 31, the team will need to start thinking about a long-term replacement. One option is pursuing free agents. Lewis mentioned Javonte Williams, Travis Etienne, Kenneth Gainwell, Emmanuel Wilson, and Brian Robinson Jr. as potential targets if Minnesota chooses that route to strengthen the backfield.
“If you look at the free agent positions of this upcoming offseason, running back is one where there is a lot of depth and a lot of intriguing players there, “ Lewis added. “So, if that’s where the Vikings wanted to save money and spend money, it would be a sensible spot.”
Eduardo Razo Eduardo Razo is a sports journalist covering the NFL for Heavy.com. He previously covered the league for NBC Sports Washington and NBC Sports Bay Area & California, and has contributed as a freelance writer for The Sporting News. He also served as an editor for Athlon Sports and Heavy Sports focusing on MLB and the NFL. More about Eduardo Razo
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