The Minnesota Vikings are making a bold move in their roster-building strategy for the 2025 NFL season, reportedly targeting Tennessee Titans quarterback Will Levis to serve as a backup and competitor for J.J. McCarthy, their top pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. According to a recent article from Sporting News, this move not only bolsters depth at the quarterback position but also underscores the Vikings’ ambition to ensure stability and growth potential at the most critical position on the field.
Context of the Move
J.J. McCarthy, selected by the Vikings at the 10th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, is expected to become the franchise’s cornerstone quarterback. However, a severe knee injury (torn meniscus) sustained during a preseason game sidelined McCarthy for his entire rookie season. This has created uncertainty about his readiness to assume a starting role in the 2025 season. To mitigate risks, the Vikings have actively sought options to strengthen their quarterback room, and Will Levis, with a $9 million contract, has emerged as a prime candidate.
In the 2025 NFL Draft, the Vikings made a notable move by trading to acquire Sam Howell, formerly of the Seattle Seahawks, to add a backup option for McCarthy. However, according to Last Word on Sports analyst David Latham, the team may not stop there. Latham suggests that adding Will Levis would introduce necessary competition at the quarterback position while providing a reliable insurance policy should McCarthy struggle to meet expectations.
Will Levis: Potential and Challenges
Will Levis, a second-round pick by the Titans in the 2023 NFL Draft, was once viewed as the long-term solution at quarterback for Tennessee. In his 2023 rookie season, Levis showed promise with powerful throws and dynamic mobility, leading many to believe he could develop into a star. However, the 2024 season marked a significant regression for Levis. He struggled with inaccurate decision-making and frequent turnovers, resulting in him being benched in favor of backup Mason Rudolph in several games. With a total of 18 turnovers (12 interceptions and 6 fumbles), Levis failed to live up to expectations, and the Titans are now reportedly open to moving on from him to make room for Cam Ward, their No. 1 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Despite these setbacks, Levis, at just 25 years old, still possesses qualities that make him an appealing option. With two years remaining on his $9 million rookie contract, Levis represents a relatively low-cost investment for a quarterback with 21 NFL starts. He could provide healthy competition for Sam Howell and serve as a viable alternative if McCarthy faces challenges recovering from his injury or adapting to the professional level.
Why the Vikings Want Levis
Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell has a proven track record of revitalizing struggling quarterbacks, as evidenced by Sam Darnold’s impressive 2024 season. Under O’Connell’s guidance, Darnold thrived, leading the Vikings to a 14-3 record and establishing them as one of the NFC’s top teams. With his experience working with quarterbacks in need of a turnaround, O’Connell likely sees untapped potential in Levis, especially in a stronger offensive system supported by stars like Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and T.J. Hockenson.
Moreover, the Vikings could potentially acquire Levis at a bargain—possibly for a Day 3 draft pick—making this an attractive deal. With McCarthy still an unknown quantity post-injury and lacking regular-season experience, adding a quarterback like Levis provides the Vikings with flexibility and security in their long-term strategy.
Impact on the Vikings’ Roster
If this deal materializes, the Vikings could carry three quarterbacks on their 53-man roster for the 2025 season: J.J. McCarthy, Sam Howell, and Will Levis, with Brett Rypien likely being pushed out of the active roster. The competition between Howell and Levis for the QB2 role promises to be intense, potentially driving both to elevate their performance. Should McCarthy not be ready or struggle with his form, Levis, with his considerable starting experience, could step in temporarily without derailing the team’s competitive goals.
This move also reflects the philosophy of general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and coach O’Connell in building a roster with depth and adaptability. With a highly rated offense and an improving defense, the Vikings are aiming for Super Bowl contention, and ensuring stability at the quarterback position is crucial to achieving that ambition.
Conclusion
The Minnesota Vikings’ pursuit of Will Levis is a surprising yet logical move, demonstrating their caution and ambition in building a future around J.J. McCarthy. With a reasonable price tag and the potential to thrive under Kevin O’Connell’s coaching, Levis could become a key piece in the Vikings’ long-term plans. Whether or not this deal comes to fruition, it highlights the Vikings’ commitment to leaving no stone unturned in their quest to construct a team capable of competing at the highest level.