The Minnesota Vikings appear to be committed to 2024 first-round pick J.J. McCarthy as their starting quarterback, but they are still exploring veteran options. Ryan Tannehill is the latest name on their radar.
Tannehill, who was a first-round pick by the Miami Dolphins in 2012, earned Pro Bowl honors with the Tennessee Titans in 2019, his first year with the team. After sitting out the 2024 season, Tannehill could make a return to the NFL with the Vikings, who have reportedly reached out to him.
“Sources: The #Vikings have had discussions with former #Titans QB Ryan Tannehill about a potential deal,” Fox Sports’ Jordan Schultz shared on X on March 21. “Talks are ongoing, but nothing is imminent as of right now.”
In 2023, Tannehill completed 64.8% of his passes for 1,616 yards, 4 touchdowns, and 7 interceptions. An ankle injury sidelined him for two weeks, and he was eventually benched in favor of rookie second-round pick Will Levis by former head coach Mike Vrabel.
Levis has quickly emerged as a potential option for the Vikings after they moved away from pursuing Aaron Rodgers. Additionally, former Indianapolis Colts QB Joe Flacco remains a possible free-agent option for the Vikings.
Ryan Tannehill Has Ties to Vikings
Tannehill, at 36 years old, is younger than both Aaron Rodgers and Joe Flacco, who are both over 40. The former Comeback Player of the Year also has a connection to the Vikings through J.J. McCarthy.
Star Tribune’s Ben Goessling pointed out Tannehill as a potential option for the Vikings due to these ties. “A veteran QB is certainly on the Vikings’ radar, and I fully expect them to add one this offseason. They want an option in case McCarthy gets injured again or if he looks like he’s not quite ready to take the job over,” Goessling shared in the “Access Vikings” newsletter on March 15.
“He [Tannehill] is still only 36 and would figure to work well with J.J. McCarthy, who’s represented by the same agent as Tannehill. That connection could lead to an opportunity for him in Minnesota.”
While the connection and need for a veteran quarterback are evident, the Vikings still face a potentially significant challenge in finalizing a deal with Tannehill.
Ryan Tannehill ‘Happy in Nashville’
Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio reported on Ryan Tannehill’s rumored stance regarding the Vikings’ interest, noting that while the Vikings view Tannehill as a potential option, no deal has been discussed yet. Florio also pointed out that Tannehill’s ties to J.J. McCarthy could create an “awkward” situation.
“As we hear it, the Vikings consider Tannehill a potential option. However, no deal has been discussed. Tannehill, we’re told, is very happy in Nashville. He has made nearly $200 million during his career,” Florio wrote on March 21. “He would need to have a compelling opportunity to move his family.”
Florio also noted the potential for tension, saying, “Tannehill and current Vikings QB1 are represented by the same firm. That would make things awkward, to say the least, if the Vikings were to take the position that Tannehill has a chance to start, in order to get him to move his family to Minneapolis.”
In 2022, Tannehill faced criticism in Tennessee for saying it wasn’t his responsibility to mentor former teammate Malik Willis, although Tannehill later clarified those comments and became more publicly supportive of rookie Will Levis.
Tannehill is coming off a four-year, $114 million contract with the Titans, and has earned $195 million over his career. According to Over The Cap, the Vikings currently have $31.1 million in cap space, pending their upcoming draft class.
Ultimately, the decision will fall to Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell, who has indicated that the team views McCarthy as their franchise quarterback moving forward.
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