Minnesota Vikings Evaluate Quarterback Trades Before Trade Deadline

Minnesota finds itself searching for a new quarterback on trade deadline day following a 23-6 loss to the Buffalo Bills.

Starting in place of the injured Kyler Murray, Carson Wentz went 8-for-25 for 81 yards and two interceptions. Minnesota is 6-2 overall but ranks 28th in offensive scoring with 17.4 points per game, according to cbssports.com.

Murray has missed two games and most of a third due to two injuries. The team’s 11 offensive touchdowns are tied with the Chargers for the fewest in the league, cbssports.com reported. Changing starting quarterbacks midseason presents difficulties, but the team’s current offensive production risks wasting a strong defense.

Cousins spent 2019-23 with Minnesota and played under Kevin O’Connell. He is currently keeping the seat warm for No. 1 pick Fernando Mendoza in Las Vegas. Cousins is 38 years old and recently threw three interceptions in a game, but his familiarity with O’Connell’s system and top target Justin Jefferson offers immediate utility.

Geno Smith of the Jets represents a second option for Minnesota, according to cbssports.com. Smith has cut down on turnovers while maintaining downfield aggression, recording 16 completions of 20-plus yards downfield. One obstacle is that the Jets lack a proven backup behind Smith on the active roster, with rookie Cade Klubnik and practice squad member Will Levis as the remaining quarterbacks.

Daniel Jones of the Colts rounds out the primary veteran options. The Colts told Jones they will not trade him, though the team has already sold off Quenton Nelson and DeForest Buckner. Jones spent time on the Vikings’ practice squad in 2024, but his current season has been marked by turnovers and a lack of passing touchdowns.

The trade deadline arrives Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET. Minnesota must decide whether to acquire a veteran quarterback or continue with its current roster construction, risking the output of a Super Bowl-caliber defense.