Not just since this week’s press conference, the expectation in the Twin Cities has been that the Minnesota Vikings will be in the market for quarterback reinforcement this offseason. The debate is just about the caliber of QB that’s arriving in the building. According to a prominent reporter, a big swing shouldn’t be ruled out.
Kevin Seifert, ESPN’s Vikings reporter, chatted with KFAN about the QB room and his comments turned some heads. Apparently, nobody he’s talked with has shut the door on a star quarterback donning the purple jersey in 2026.
“I could not find anyone to tell me that they definitely don’t want to pursue a Joe Burrow or Lamar Jackson or whoever else might shake loose in terms of a guy that would absolutely come in here as the unquestioned starter,” he said.
The Vikings wouldn’t completely rule out that type of opportunity if it ever became realistic. No matter how likely, if one of those two guys (or of a comparable caliber) were offered to the Vikings, they surely would consider it.
However, it’s rare that a legit top-five quarterback in the NFL becomes available, regardless of the price. It’s hard to find such a player. If you need evidence, check the long list of players who have thrown passes for the Vikings since Fran Tarkenton retired nearly 50 years ago.
Burrow and Jackson would certainly exceed the expectations Vikings fans have for the expected quarterback move.
Burrow publicly voiced some frustration last season amid Cincinnati’s struggles. It’s fair to say he was the best signal-caller in football in 2024 but the defensive struggles prevented his participation in the postseason. Burrow also dealt with injuries during the 2025 campaign. Still, if healthy, he’s an automatic 35 touchdowns and 4,500 yards and he knows how to get the ball to his elite receiver.
Jackson is in an odd situation where his contract will soon be up for an extension and his club doesn’t have a head coach. He’s potentially the best running quarterback in NFL history, but is still a gifted passer. At 29, with his playing style and injury resume, there are some long-term concerns, though the talent outweighs the risk.
Either way, one should ask the question of why either franchise should trade one of them. They are both the faces of their respective franchises. Without Burrow, the Bengals aren’t competitive, and Jackson is the selling point the organization has in coaching interviews.
They’d also cost several first-round picks as well as annual contracts north of $50 million. Sure, upgrading the quarterback room from one of the worst in the league to a perennial MVP candidate makes sense, but the costs have to be considered.
Bottom line: A quarterback swap of that caliber is highly unlikely.
Regardless, the report signals that the Vikings aren’t satisfied with the status quo and will consider upside plays rather than sticking with the plan that hasn’t worked so far. Furthermore, it signals flexibility. The Vikings aren’t only focused on bringing in a certain type of player, but they are willing to consider various avenues.
Editor’s Note: Information from PFF, Over The Cap, and Sports Reference helped with this article.
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