The Minnesota Vikings have begun contacting other NFL teams about potential quarterback trades following Carson Wentz’s historically poor performance in Monday’s 23-6 loss to the Buffalo Bills.
Vikings initiate trade talks as Wentz struggles
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Tuesday that Minnesota was making calls ahead of the NFL’s 4 p.m. ET trade deadline, though no specific quarterback targets were identified. The move comes after Wentz completed just 8 of 25 passes for 81 yards, with two interceptions and a passer rating of 8.9—the lowest by any NFL player with at least 25 attempts since Sam Darnold’s 3.6 rating in 2019. The Vikings managed only 178 total yards and held the ball for 17 minutes and 28 seconds, forcing their defense to play extended periods.
Kyler Murray, who suffered a Grade 2 hamstring strain in Week 8, remains sidelined, leaving the team’s quarterback situation in flux. Backup Max Brosmer replaced Wentz late in the game, completing 6 of 7 passes for 58 yards, but Minnesota did not score in the second half.
Offensive collapse sparks trade urgency
The Vikings’ offense failed to score a touchdown for the second consecutive game, with Wentz’s performance drawing comparisons to Darnold’s infamous “seeing ghosts” game. Minnesota’s 0-for-8 third-down conversion rate and lack of offensive production have raised questions about the team’s ability to sustain success without Murray.
Head coach Kevin O’Connell acknowledged the team’s struggles, stating, “It starts with me. One hundred percent, the defense was on the field too much.” He declined to comment on potential trade targets but emphasized the need for improvement.
Potential trade candidates emerge
Multiple insiders have suggested Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders as a potential fit. NFL insider Josina Anderson noted on social media that Minnesota should inquire about Sanders, highlighting his recent performance against the New Orleans Saints, where he completed 19 of 31 passes for 297 yards and two touchdowns with a 114.6 passer rating. Other names floated by analysts include Daniel Jones, Kirk Cousins, Geno Smith, and free agent Jimmy Garoppolo.
Star wide receiver Justin Jefferson, who finished with three catches for 58 yards, deferred to team leadership on trade decisions, stating, “That’s on Nolan [Teasley, GM]; that’s on Kevin [O’Connell].” Former Vikings receiver Adam Thielen echoed the urgency, telling KFAN, “It’s got to be a quarterback. It’s got to be.”
Defensive dominance overshadowed by QB woes
Despite the offensive collapse, Minnesota’s defense remains one of the NFL’s best, carrying the team through its 6-2 start. However, the inability to generate points has become a growing concern, particularly with Murray’s status uncertain. O’Connell described Murray’s injury as “week-to-week” but warned that playing through it could risk further damage.
The trade deadline arrives at 4 p.m. ET on Tuesday, leaving little time for Minnesota to secure a replacement. The team’s next steps will depend on whether another club is willing to part with a quarterback before the deadline or if the Vikings must proceed with their current roster.