Vikings could add $9 million Titans quarterback as J.J. McCarthy backup competitions….. Details below
Vikings Could Add $9 Million Titans Quarterback to Fuel Backup Competition Behind J.J. McCarthy
As rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy settles into his new role as the Minnesota Vikings’ signal-caller of the future, the franchise may be exploring a strategic move to bolster its quarterback room with a proven veteran presence. According to multiple league sources, the Vikings are eyeing Tennessee Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill as a potential addition—one that could add experience, competition, and insurance behind their top draft pic
Tannehill, who is entering the final year of a contract valued at $9 million, has emerged as a logical candidate to be moved following the Titans’ full embrace of second-year quarterback Will Levis as their starter. With Tennessee signaling a youth movement under head coach Brian Callahan, Tannehill’s role as a high-priced backup may no longer fit the team’s long-term plan
For Minnesota, the interest in Tannehill is about more than just depth—it’s about stabilit
McCarthy Era Begins, But Competition Matte
The Vikings selected McCarthy with the No. 11 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, signaling their intent to build around the former Michigan standout. But while the team is optimistic about his development, starting a rookie quarterback in the NFL comes with growing pains—and a veteran like Tannehill could serve as both a mentor and potential in-season replacement should McCarthy need time to adjus
Current backup Nick Mullens and third-stringer Jaren Hall have shown flashes, but neither has the résumé of Tannehill, a former Pro Bowler with over a decade of NFL experience and 151 career start
“Ryan Tannehill gives you a steady hand,” said NFL Network analyst Daniel Jeremiah. “He’s played in big games, led playoff runs, and knows how to run an NFL offense. If you’re trying to bring a young quarterback along the right way, that’s the kind of guy you want in the building
Contract and Cap Implicatio
Tannehill’s $9 million figure is manageable, especially if the Titans are willing to eat some of the salary or if a deal includes performance incentives. Minnesota has roughly $11 million in cap space heading into the summer and could restructure other deals to make roo
The Vikings’ front office, led by GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, has shown a willingness to balance long-term investment with immediate competitiveness. Adding Tannehill would fall in line with that approach—protecting the team’s short-term viability while still grooming McCarthy for the futur
A Reunion with Kevin O’Connel
Though Tannehill has never played under Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell, he is considered a strong fit for O’Connell’s system, which emphasizes timing, accuracy, and decision-making—traits Tannehill has showcased throughout his caree
More importantly, Tannehill’s presence in the locker room could offer an invaluable leadership dynamic, similar to what the Kansas City Chiefs did with Alex Smith during Patrick Mahomes’ rookie yea
What’s Nex
There’s no official confirmation that trade talks are underway, but insiders say the possibility of Tannehill landing in Minnesota remains “on the radar” as training camps approac
With OTAs and mandatory minicamp around the corner, a move could materialize quickly if the Vikings determine that McCarthy would benefit from more veteran support—or if concerns arise about the readiness of their current backup option
As the NFL offseason unfolds, the Vikings appear poised to continue shaping a quarterback room that blends youth, experience, and strategic depth—and Ryan Tannehill could be the next piece of that puzzle….See more 👇👇👇
