The Minnesota Vikings, sitting at 6-1, are considering quarterback trade targets after Kyler Murray's continued struggles in Kevin O'Connell's offense. In a recent four-point loss, Murray led the offense to just 15 points, with eight coming in the fourth quarter. The unit managed only 15 first downs and converted 3 of 10 third-down attempts, despite the presence of star receiver Justin Jefferson.
Potential trade candidates include:
Spencer Rattler, 26, currently the New Orleans Saints' backup to Tyler Shough, completed 67.7% of his passes for 1,586 yards, eight touchdowns, and five interceptions in eight starts (nine games) in 2025. He is viewed as a possible offseason gamble rather than a midseason starter.
Jacoby Brissett, benched in Week 8 for the Arizona Cardinals, holds the lowest interception rate in NFL history (since surpassed by Aaron Rodgers) and can move the chains as a passer, though he is not considered an upper-echelon quarterback.
Daniel Jones, who finished the 2024 season with the Vikings, knows O'Connell's system but has not regained his pre-Achilles form. The Indianapolis Colts may be open to moving him amid a fire sale.
Justin Herbert of the Los Angeles Chargers possesses a cannon arm and mobility but has struggled under coaches Jim Harbaugh and Mike McDaniel in 2026. No indication the Chargers are ready to trade him.
Geno Smith, 36, is playing at a high level on an expiring contract with the 2-6 New York Jets. The Jets hold three first-round picks in the 2027 NFL Draft and have rookie Cade Klubnik, making Smith a potential trade asset.
Mac Jones, 28, on an expiring contract with the San Francisco 49ers, has experience under Kyle Shanahan and could fit O'Connell's offense. Brock Purdy's return to health makes Jones expendable.
Kirk Cousins, a four-time Pro Bowler, leads the NFL with 19 passing touchdowns in eight games for the 4-4 Las Vegas Raiders. He previously thrived in O'Connell's offense, but the Raiders may not be willing to sell before the trade deadline.
