The Minnesota Vikings continue to operate as if they plan to start 2024 first-round pick J.J. McCarthy. However, they are still exploring veteran options, with Ryan Tannehill emerging as a potential addition.
He, originally drafted in the first round by the Miami Dolphins in 2012, earned a Pro Bowl nod in 2019 during his first season with the Tennessee Titans.
After sitting out the 2024 season, Tannehill could make his NFL return with the Vikings, who have reportedly reached out to him.
“Sources: The #Vikings have had discussions with former #Titans QB Ryan Tannehill about a potential deal,” Fox Sports’ Jordan Schultz reported on X on March 21. “Talks are ongoing and nothing is imminent as of right now, sources tell @NFLonFOX.”
During the 2023 season with Tennessee, Tannehill completed 64.8% of his passes for 1,616 yards, throwing four touchdowns and seven interceptions. An ankle injury sidelined him for two weeks before then-head coach Mike Vrabel benched him in favor of rookie second-round pick Will Levis.
While the Vikings initially explored the possibility of acquiring Aaron Rodgers, they have since shifted focus, with Levis becoming a speculative target before they took concrete action.
Former Indianapolis Colts quarterback Joe Flacco also remains a free-agent option for Minnesota.
Ryan Tannehill Has Ties to Vikings
Tannehill is younger than both Rodgers and Flacco, who are over 40. At 36, the former Comeback Player of the Year also shares a connection with the Vikings through McCarthy.
Ben Goessling of the Star Tribune recently suggested Tannehill as a potential option for Minnesota due to this link.
“A veteran QB is certainly on the Vikings’ radar, and I fully expect them to add one this offseason. They want an option in case McCarthy gets injured again or if he isn’t quite ready to take over as the starter,” Goessling wrote in the Access Vikings newsletter on March 15.
“Tannehill is still only 36 and could be a good fit alongside J.J. McCarthy, who happens to be represented by the same agent as Tannehill. That connection could open the door for him in Minnesota.”
While the need and the connection are evident, the Vikings may still face challenges in finalizing a deal with Tannehill.
