Minnesota Vikings Consider Trades for Quarterback Options

The Minnesota Vikings are likely to evaluate trades for quarterbacks Kirk Cousins and Daniel Jones prior to the NFL trade deadline on Tuesday, according to Ian Rapoport of ESPN.

The team’s struggles were evident in Monday’s 23-6 defeat by the Buffalo Bills, highlighting their quarterback issues as a pressing topic. The Vikings tallied just 178 total yards without scoring a touchdown, dropping to a 6-2 record after another lackluster offensive effort.

During Pat McAfee’s Monday Night Football simulcast, Rapoport brought up the potential trades for these former Vikings quarterbacks. It seems the team intends to investigate their availability before making any decisions.

“Those are two pretty solid options who could be had for draft pick compensation that wouldn’t kill the Vikings,” Rapoport noted. “I would expect them to at least look into it tomorrow.”

Quarterback Carson Wentz, stepping in for the injured Kyler Murray, completed only eight of 25 passes for 81 yards with no touchdowns and two interceptions. The Vikings failed to score post-halftime and controlled possession for merely 17 minutes and 28 seconds, with star receiver Justin Jefferson securing three catches for 58 yards.

Murray was sidelined by a hamstring strain, and Coach Kevin O’Connell referred to his status as week-to-week when announcing the lineup change. Although the switch provided Minnesota with an alternative at quarterback, the outcome seemed to leave the offense without solutions.

Improving the quarterback situation demands more than acquiring a familiar name. Rapoport indicated that the Raiders have not shown a willingness to trade Cousins, even as he suggested Minnesota could inquire.

The Raiders have showed no indication they would trade him,” Rapoport stated regarding Cousins, “but at least they could call and see what is there.”

Jones presents similar challenges. Tom Pelissero from The Ringer reported on Sunday that Indianapolis informed Jones there would be no trade before the deadline. The Colts had listened to offers but showed no intention of finalizing a deal.

The pressing question for Minnesota remains whether either team’s stance might shift before Tuesday’s 4 p.m. ET deadline. After scoring only six points against a Buffalo defense that ranked 30th in passing yards allowed per game, the Vikings find themselves limited on time and alternatives.