GLENDALE, ARIZONA - JANUARY 13: Head coach Kevin O’Connell of the Minnesota Vikings interacts with players prior to the game against the Los Angeles Rams during the NFC Wild Card Playoff at State Farm Stadium on January 13, 2025 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
In a stunning turn of events, the Minnesota Vikings are reportedly eyeing a $4.2 million quarterback from the New England Patriots as a potential replacement for Deshaun Watson, who has faced ongoing legal and performance-related challenges. With the future of Watson uncertain, the Vikings are exploring multiple options to secure a more stable and dependable quarterback for the 2025 season, and this Patriots signal-caller could be the solution they’ve been searching for.
The quarterback in question is none other than the young and promising backup QB from the Patriots, who has shown flashes of talent in limited playing time. With the Patriots unlikely to commit to him long-term given their current roster and their desire to focus on rebuilding around their own starting quarterback, the Vikings see an opportunity to snag a potential gem at a reasonable price. At just $4.2 million per year, this quarterback offers excellent value for a team looking to shore up its quarterback position without breaking the bank.
For the Vikings, a trade for this QB would represent a clear shift in strategy. Over the past few seasons, the team has been embroiled in the Deshaun Watson saga, with the quarterback failing to meet expectations on the field amid distractions off it. The franchise has been stuck in a state of flux, unable to find a long-term solution under center. While Watson has had moments of brilliance, inconsistencies in his play, combined with the legal and personal issues that have hung over him, have left the Vikings in a position where they need to seriously consider other options moving forward.
Enter the Patriots quarterback, whose background suggests he has the potential to be much more than a mere stopgap option. The young QB has demonstrated poise in limited snaps and has been a reliable performer in practice and preseason games, impressing scouts with his accuracy, decision-making, and ability to read defenses. Although his sample size in actual games is small, the Vikings are optimistic about what he can bring to the table if given a chance to start regularly.
What makes this potential move even more attractive for Minnesota is the price tag. With a modest salary of $4.2 million, the Vikings could acquire a solid QB without needing to take on a massive contract or sacrifice too many future assets. This would allow the team to continue building a championship-contending roster around their new signal-caller, focusing on strengthening other areas of the team, like the offensive line, defense, and skill positions.
While this trade is far from a done deal, the Vikings’ interest in the Patriots quarterback signals a changing of the guard in Minnesota. Whether or not the move ultimately materializes will depend on the Patriots’ willingness to part with their backup and whether the Vikings are able to negotiate favorable terms. Regardless, this potential trade underscores the urgency the Vikings feel to solidify their quarterback situation and put themselves in a better position for success moving forward.
With the offseason just beginning, the next few weeks could be pivotal for both the Vikings and the Patriots as they chart their respective futures. The Vikings, especially, are eager to move past the Deshaun Watson era and usher in a new chapter of stability at the quarterback position. If this $4.2 million quarterback can live up to his potential, the Vikings could find themselves with a valuable asset for years to come.
