Carson Wentz’s second start of the season for the Minnesota Vikings ended with a 23-6 defeat to the Buffalo Bills on Monday Night Football, leaving the Vikings at 6-2 and sliding to third place in the NFC North. Wentz’s performance was one of the worst in franchise history, completing just eight of 25 passes for 81 yards with three interceptions and no touchdowns. After a backward pass early in the game led to a Bills field goal, the Vikings struggled to generate any meaningful offense, ultimately prompting Wentz’s replacement by Max Brosmer to a chorus of boos turning into cheers from the 70,000-plus crowd at U.S. Bank Stadium.
The team’s general manager, Nolan Teasley, now faces pressure to act before the NFL’s trade deadline, less than 15 hours away, to address what has been a consistent problem this season: unreliable quarterback play. ESPN NFL insider Ian Rapoport confirmed that the Vikings have shifted their stance and will “explore their options” at quarterback, naming Daniel Jones and Kirk Cousins as the only two plausible midseason targets.
Rapoport said on the alternate ESPN broadcast during the game that the Vikings previously had not been actively pursuing a quarterback but the poor showing against the Bills has forced a change of course. “Daniel Jones was in their building a couple of years ago and I would expect them to at least look into it before the deadline tomorrow,” he said. Cousins remains an option given his history with the Vikings and coach Kevin O’Connell, though the Las Vegas Raiders, his current team, have not indicated any willingness to trade him.
Jones, who is currently starting for the Indianapolis Colts, has had a difficult season coming off Achilles surgery. He has thrown for 1,722 yards with six touchdowns and 10 interceptions in nine starts. Despite his struggles, Jones is a former Viking, having spent time on their practice squad without appearing in a game. The Colts reportedly told teams and Jones himself that he was not available for trade earlier this week, according to Tom Pelissero of The Ringer, but the situation may evolve given the Vikings’ urgency.
The Vikings’ offensive woes were glaring on Monday night. After the initial backward pass that was recovered by Buffalo, Wentz’s inability to complete passes or move the offense steadily became apparent. His three interceptions and a total of 81 yards on 25 attempts produced a performance fans and analysts described as one of the worst in recent memory. The defense kept the Vikings in the game for much of the night, but the offense failed to provide any support.
When Wentz was replaced by Max Brosmer, the crowd reaction shifted dramatically, reflecting the frustration of fans who have endured similar offensive struggles throughout the season. The Vikings now face a critical decision with the trade deadline looming at 3 p.m. CT on Wednesday, November 11.
ESPN analyst Chuck Pagano urged the Vikings to make a move quickly. “The Vikings have gotta go and get a quarterback,” he said on the Pat McAfee Show. “They’ve gotta get on the phone tomorrow and get somebody.”
The names of Cousins and Jones carry complications. Cousins, a former Viking from 2018 to 2023, has familiarity with the team and its coaching staff, which could ease a transition. However, the Raiders’ reluctance to trade him may limit options. Jones’s availability remains uncertain given the Colts’ public stance against trading him, though his performance has not matched the expectations of a franchise quarterback.
The Vikings’ trade deadline approach will be closely watched, with fans hoping the front office can find a signal-caller capable of stabilizing the offense and helping preserve a season that still holds playoff potential despite the recent setbacks.
According to Yahoo Sports.
