Ryan Tannehill #17 of the Tennessee Titans
Could Ryan Tannehill Be the Veteran Insurance the Vikings Need?
The Miami Dolphins fanbase has always been divided on Ryan Tannehill. While his tenure in South Florida wasn’t perfect, the reality is that he’s been one of the better quarterbacks the franchise has had in recent decades. His time in Miami was marred by injuries, coaching instability, and an organization that struggled to build a competitive roster around him. Despite those challenges, Tannehill carved out a solid career, proving to be a capable starter at his best.
Now, as the 36-year-old veteran looks for a new home after wrapping up his stint with the Tennessee Titans in 2023, speculation is swirling about where he might land. One intriguing possibility? The Minnesota Vikings.
Jeff Diamond of The 33rd Team recently projected that Tannehill could be a logical fit in Minnesota, a team that finds itself in need of a reliable veteran to pair with rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy. The Vikings are entering a pivotal year, and while McCarthy has immense potential, there’s no guarantee he’ll be ready to take the reins from Day 1.
“But the Vikings still need a quality veteran quarterback with starting experience in case McCarthy is not ready to play at a high level or gets hurt (he missed the entire 2024 regular season with a knee meniscus injury sustained in the preseason opener),” Diamond wrote. “Enter 36-year-old Ryan Tannehill, the former Dolphins first-round pick who was a six-year starter in Miami (37-40 record) before being traded in 2019 to Tennessee.”
Minnesota has been searching for stability at quarterback since Kirk Cousins departed, and while McCarthy was a decorated college player at Michigan, the jump to the NFL is never a sure thing—especially for a young QB coming off a significant injury. If the Vikings hope to remain competitive in the NFC North, having an experienced signal-caller like Tannehill in the mix could be a smart move.
Tannehill’s time in Tennessee showcased his ability to play efficient football in the right system. He led the Titans to multiple playoff appearances and, when healthy, was a steady presence under center. In Kevin O’Connell’s offense, he wouldn’t be expected to carry the load but could provide a safety net should McCarthy need time to develop.
For Tannehill, this could be an opportunity to extend his career in a meaningful way. Whether in Minnesota or elsewhere, teams in need of a veteran backup—or even a short-term bridge starter—will likely be giving him a call as the offseason unfolds.
As the Dolphins continue forward with Tua Tagovailoa, and Tannehill moves on to his next chapter, it serves as a reminder of how the NFL is a league of second (and sometimes third) chances. If he does end up in Minnesota, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him play a crucial role in shaping the Vikings’ quarterback situation in 2024 and beyond.
