The Minnesota Vikings have explored veteran quarterback options to back up J.J. McCarthy, but they may ultimately opt for a younger alternative based on the available choices.
On March 21, Bleacher Report’s Moe Moton proposed a budget-friendly trade idea, suggesting the Vikings trade a fifth-round pick to the Tennessee Titans in exchange for former second-round quarterback and a sixth-round selection.
Citing NFL insider Josina Anderson, Moton noted that the Titans are reportedly looking to move on from Levis.
Will Levis Could Remake NFL Career as Vikings Backup QB
Over his two-year NFL career, Will Levis has shown flashes of potential but has struggled with ball security, leading the Tennessee Titans to a 5-16 record in 21 regular-season starts.
During that span, he has recorded 3,899 passing yards, 21 touchdowns, and 16 interceptions, along with 240 rushing yards and one rushing score.
The Titans drafted Levis with the 33rd overall pick in 2023, and he still has two cost-effective years left on his $9.5 million rookie contract. Meanwhile, J.J. McCarthy is heading into the second season of his four-year, $22 million deal. Pairing them together would give the Vikings one of the most budget-friendly quarterback rooms in the league.
This financial flexibility has allowed Minnesota to strengthen both its offensive and defensive lines while also securing Pro Bowl cornerback Byron Murphy Jr. to maintain stability in a secondary undergoing significant changes between 2024 and 2025.
If Levis were called upon to start for an extended period, concerns about his ability to succeed remain valid based on his performance in Tennessee. However, with a talented supporting cast and head coach Kevin O’Connell’s track record of elevating quarterbacks like Josh Dobbs, Nick Mullens, and Sam Darnold, there’s reason to believe that the 25-year-old Levis could develop further in Minnesota’s system.
