J.J. McCarthy, J.J. McCarthy, a second-year quarterback, is expected to win the starting job in Minnesota, but he must establish himself in training camp after missing the entire rookie season due to an injury. The Vikings are still looking for a suitable backup quarterback after Sam Darnold and Daniel Jones left in free agency, and a veteran with real experience appears to be a better fit than a flier on Day 3 of the 2017 NFL draft — or something similar.
On Saturday, April 5, Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report named Joe Flacco as the free agent best suited to provide McCarthy with direction and offer the Vikings a viable backup option if necessary during the 2025 season.
“While there’s been plenty of buzz about the Vikings and Aaron Rodgers — head coach Kevin O’Connell recently told reporters that the quarterback reached out to Minnesota — Joe Flacco would be a more sensible option,” Knox stated in an email. “With the [Indianapolis] Colts last season, Flacco shown that he can help a young quarterback while still being ready to start in a hurry. He could accomplish the same in Minnesota without attracting the attention that Rodgers would.
Joe Flacco Arguably Best Veteran QB Option to Back Up Vikings’ J.J. McCarthy
If the Vikings want a veteran, Flacco is arguably the best option.
Minnesota has apparently spoken with Ryan Tannehill about the position, although he sat out the entire season while looking for a chance to start anywhere in the league. A full year away from the game may give the Vikings pause on Tannehill, while many other quarterbacks on the free-agent market lack the resume that Flacco has.
Flacco won Super Bowl MVP with the Baltimore Ravens in 2012 and has been an on-and-off starter in the NFL for the previous two years. He led the Cleveland Browns to a 4-1 record down the stretch of the 2023 season, which culminated in a wildcard playoff berth. He also played in eight games for the Colts last season, starting six of them and finishing 2-4 with 1,761 passing yards, 12 touchdowns, and eight interceptions.
Browns Represent Potential Competition for Joe Flacco
The Vikings don’t need more than a one-year solution in the QB2 role this season, and finding one at a reasonable price is certainly a priority for the front office after investing a significant amount of salary budget money to remodel the offense and defense.
Spotrac estimates Flacco’s market value at $3.2 million on a new one-year contract that suits Minnesota’s budget.
The Browns, who will need a starting quarterback if they do not choose one with the No. 2 overall pick in the upcoming draft, could pose the most serious challenge to the Vikings in terms of Flacco. Flacco was popular among Cleveland fans during the playoffs two years ago, and he may have a chance to start there now that Deshaun Watson and Kenny Pickett are hurt.
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