A quarterback trade is a deal in which one NFL team sends its passer to another club in exchange for draft picks, players or both, and it can only happen before the league’s trade deadline. The Minnesota Vikings have started exploring Vikings quarterback trades with that deadline set for Tuesday, November 10. The search follows a 23-6 loss to the Buffalo Bills on Monday Night Football, where the offence never found a rhythm.
Why Are the Vikings Exploring Quarterback Trades Now?
ESPN’s Adam Schefter and NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport report that the Vikings have begun contacting teams around the league to gauge their quarterback options. This is a change in direction. Until now, the team had given little sign that it planned to make a move at the position before the deadline.
The loss to Buffalo changed that. Carson Wentz was making his second start of the season in place of the injured Kyler Murray. He completed 8 of 25 passes for 81 yards and threw two interceptions, and Minnesota did not score a single offensive touchdown.
Does Carson Wentz’s Performance Raise Questions About the Vikings’ Quarterback Position?
Yes, and the numbers explain why. Minnesota began Monday night at 6-1, a strong start to the season. Two straight defeats have since exposed doubts about the offence, especially at quarterback.
Wentz’s completion rate was 32 percent, and his 81 passing yards works out to roughly 3.2 yards per attempt. Those figures are very hard to win with in any offence. The team finished with only 178 total yards and nine first downs. Because the offence could not sustain drives, the defence spent long stretches on the field, and Buffalo eventually pulled away with 13 unanswered points.
Murray’s absence made the problem worse. He joined the Vikings in the offseason, has not found consistent form, and is now dealing with a hamstring injury. His availability for the game against the Green Bay Packers is uncertain.
Head coach Kevin O’Connell admitted the offence fell short and accepted responsibility for his part. When reporters asked about adding a quarterback, he passed the decision to general manager Nolan Teasley.
Editorial view: Reading the box score, I do not think Wentz alone explains the result. A completion rate that low, combined with so few first downs, points to an offence that struggled with timing and with getting open as much as with accuracy. That matters for the trade question. A new quarterback would help only if the cause is quarterback play rather than the play calling or the protection around him.
Which Quarterbacks Could the Vikings Target, Including Kirk Cousins and Daniel Jones?
Two names are drawing the most attention: Kirk Cousins of the Las Vegas Raiders and Daniel Jones of the Indianapolis Colts.
Both know Minnesota and O’Connell’s system. Cousins played six seasons for the Vikings, from 2018 to 2023. Jones spent a short time with the organisation before moving to Indianapolis. That background could make either player easier to fit into the offence, which matters because very little time remains before the regular season continues.
Still, neither deal looks simple. Reports say the Colts have told Jones they do not plan to trade him. The Raiders have also shown little interest in giving up Cousins, who is their current starter. Any trade would depend on the Vikings agreeing to the asking price and on the other clubs changing their stance.
Editorial view: A midseason trade rewards familiarity more than talent. A quarterback who already knows the terminology and the protections can be useful within days, while a stronger player who has to learn a new system may not be. That is the best argument for Cousins or Jones. Both teams treat their quarterback as a starter, though, so the price could be high.
What Does Justin Jefferson Want From the Vikings’ Offence?
The quarterback problem reaches beyond one game. Justin Jefferson gives Minnesota an established playmaker at wide receiver, but uneven quarterback play has held the passing game back. Against Buffalo he caught three passes for 58 yards.
When asked whether another quarterback could help, Jefferson left the decision to the team’s leadership. He said his job was to keep getting open and to lead his teammates. He also said the offence should simplify its approach so players can run plays naturally instead of spending too much time thinking.
His comments point to a wider challenge for Minnesota. The team needs a quarterback who plays consistently and who helps the rest of the offence play with confidence.
What Decision Do the Vikings Face at the Trade Deadline?
The timing is awkward. Minnesota plays its division rival Green Bay on November 15, so the quarterback question carries extra weight in the NFC North race.
A trade could bring quick stability, but a familiar name does not guarantee better results. The Vikings have to weigh the cost in money and draft picks, the quarterback’s recent form, and how quickly he can learn the offence. They must also decide whether a short-term acquisition is worth more than waiting for Murray to recover.
The window is narrow. Whether Minnesota completes a deal or sticks with its current options, the choice could shape its playoff hopes.
