If, in the end, things go sideways at quarterback, then the Vikings will need to reset to 2027. Presumably, that will involve moving on to Kevin O’Connell, but that’s speculation for a different day.
Who can be the successful candidate for the job when things go wrong?
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Currently, Kyler Murray is looking to beat out JJ McCarthy for the QB1 job. Next up is Carson Wentz, a public official in town as the ideal QB3. Wentz can be put basically by preparing the egg before doing a good job; Minnesota appreciates that fact. Alternatively, Max Brosmer is the least developed youngster, but his most popular spot is on the practice squad.
A future where none of these passers exist beyond this year is unlikely but not impossible.
In March of 2025, Minnesota said goodbye to Sam Darnold; Seattle then greeted Sam Darnold. The rest is history (as they say).
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The old GM was canned. A new GM came to town after a very successful run with the Seahawks. Already, the effort to improve the program has involved bringing talent to the Seahawks. Most of this happened on the fringes of the roster, but note that three of the four new players have connections to the Emerald City.
Does that path back to the Pacific Northwest include snagging Jalen Milroe?
Seattle’s backup pass rusher won’t usurp Darnold. The 29-year-old quarterback led his team to a Super Bowl victory while pushing Jaxon Smith-Njigba into the conversation for the best WR in the NFL. He is close to untouchable. Milroe could continue to rotate as a backup upside but that may not be the best way to use the young arm for more than a year or two.
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Most likely, a trade will happen.
He was selected at No. 92 in the 2025 NFL Draft, Milroe is far from a lock to develop into a strong QB1 in the NFL. Part of what he will do for him is the history of getting wisdom from a player who started well while being coached by Mike Macdonald’s staff.
Consider what NFL website’s Lance Zierlein had to say about Milroe: “Milroe is an explosive athlete who can get out of the pocket, but lacks accuracy, touch and decision-making in the pocket. Lack of anticipation and timing leads to stops and struggles in areas where the NFL may need him to get on the field. Adjust his footwork and delivery to improve accuracy at all three levels. He can learn when he’s confident and feeling secure but predictable and easily defensive when shaken.
More: “Built like a Will linebacker, he runs like a receiver and is a threat to hit runs and scrambles. Milroe was a deep passer in 2023, but his decline in 2024 makes it difficult to produce success in the pocket at a high enough rate to be a capable NFL player but an NFL starter will have solid speed. As a starter, it’s up to his team to find a way to get the ball into his hands.” with integrated games.”
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Talented but raw, Jalen Milroe will have benefited from watching and learning without the rookie spotlight. Maybe that will work well for him.
Nolan Teasley will know the passer-by well. So, will he have a good understanding of the talent inside Minnesota. There is actually no chance of it being changed in 2026. What is possible, however, is future trade.
Seattle doesn’t seem likely to keep Milroe around long since Darnold has been so effective. Trading Milroe is a way to add value to a QB-starved NFL.
Minnesota doesn’t have much certainty beyond the reality of the promise. Current quarterbacks are talented and in the middle of a battle. Whether someone comes from the passers to place first in a stable position remains to be seen.
Jalen Milroe, 23, will enter his second season. Teams will be calling to see if you are available before too long.
