Nobody has struck more deals throughout his tenure than Kwesi Adofo-Mensah. Some of those have been criticized, but the man who used to be a Wall Street Trader has always been a dealmaker. With the dwindling options for the QB2 spot, another trade could make sense.
Vikings QB2 Search: Trade for a Once Promising QB?
Aug 10, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) looks to pass during the second quarter against the Las Vegas Raiders at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
Taylor Heinicke, Gardner Minshew, Zach Wilson, Jimmy Garappolo, and many more have found their new employers, and the list of J.J. McCarthy’s backup candidates isn’t getting any longer. Joe Flacco, Jameis Winston, and Cooper Rush might be the last three prominent signal-callers if the Vikings don’t want to enter any Aaron Rodgers or Russell Wilson sweepstakes.
Another way to acquire a player is through the trade market, and Adofo-Mensah could take a play out of other teams’ playbook. Last year, the Jaguars traded for Mac Jones, the Eagles for Kenny Pickett, and the Seahawks for Sam Howell.
Who might be available? Will Levis.
Tennessee Titans quarterback Will Levis (8) gets the pass away before Minnesota Vikings linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel (43) can get to him in the fourth quarter at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024.
The Tennessee Titans hold the first overall pick, which could turn into quarterback Cam Ward. There have been some rumblings about trading down, but if they don’t, well, it could be time to move Levis.
On Thursday, the Titans signed Brandon Allen, a veteran backup passer, allowing them to pursue that option.
Levis was a 2023 second-round pick; in fact, he was the first pick of that second round. On draft day and the days and weeks before, folks thought he would be selected in the first round, perhaps even in the top ten.
The NFL disagreed, and he kept falling to pick 33. Tennessee ended his tumble, and the Kentucky product joined a quarterback room with Malik Willis, a 2022 third-rounder with excellent physical tools but an inconsistent arm, and aging veteran Ryan Tannehill on the tail end of his career.
A few games into the season, starter Tannehill didn’t look right, throwing more picks than touchdowns. Levis was inserted into the lineup, and he lit up the stat sheet in his first start, throwing for four touchdowns.
Jacksonville Jaguars defensive end Adam Gotsis (96) gets a hand on the pass of Tennessee Titans quarterback Will Levis (8), causing an incomplete pass during early second-quarter action. The Jacksonville Jaguars hosted the Tennessee Titans at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, FL Sunday, November 19, 2023. The Jaguars led 13 to 0 at the half. [Bob Self/Florida Times-Union]
His magic quickly dwindled, and he finished his rookie campaign with only eight touchdowns and four interceptions in nine starts. Levis added 57 rushing yards and one touchdown.
Last year, there was some hope for a second-year breakout, but he tabulated 13 touchdowns and 12 interceptions in his 12 starts, and Mason Rudolph usurped him a couple of times.
Regardless, Kevin O’Connell is a proven quarterback whisperer, and he might just be what Levis needs.
The 25-year-old has a cannon of an arm, as he showed in last year’s game against the Vikings when he kept challenging the secondary deep, and he is a big quarterback. His problem is the decision-making, and he surely made some mind-boggling mistakes in his second season, making more noise as an internet meme rather than in the touchdown column.
Aug 3, 2024; Eagan, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell reacts during practice at Vikings training camp in Eagan, MN. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
What would it take? If the Titans make Levis available, a late-round pick could get the job done. The Vikings suffer from draft pick scarcity, but they just got a 2026 sixth-rounder for Ed Ingram and could just send that pick back to the AFC South.
If the available options on the open market don’t convince the Vikings, there’s another way to find a passer. And unlike the free agents, this one might have some upside.