The Minnesota Vikings are facing a major quarterback dilemma as the 2026 NFL trade deadline approaches. Following a disappointing 23-6 loss to the Buffalo Bills on Monday Night Football, questions surrounding a potential Vikings trade have intensified, with Minnesota potentially searching for a new quarterback to keep its season on track.
The Vikings entered the matchup with a 6-2 record and hopes of competing in the NFC. However, their offensive struggles were exposed against Buffalo, particularly with Carson Wentz struggling in place of injured quarterback Kyler Murray.
With the NFL trade deadline scheduled for Tuesday, November 10, at 4 p.m. ET, Minnesota has limited time to explore possible quarterback options.
Vikings Lose 23-6 to Bills as Carson Wentz Struggles
The Buffalo Bills defeated the Minnesota Vikings 23-6 on Monday night, improving their record to 7-1.
Minnesota’s defense kept the Bills’ offense under pressure for much of the game, but the Vikings’ offense struggled to produce meaningful results. The team failed to record a first down during its opening five offensive possessions.
Carson Wentz finished the game completing just 8 of 25 passes for 81 yards, with two interceptions and no passing touchdowns. He also lost a fumble after mistakenly throwing what was ruled a backward lateral.
His performance resulted in a passer rating of just 8.9, and head coach Kevin O’Connell eventually replaced him with backup Max Brosmer late in the fourth quarter.
Brosmer completed six of seven passes for 58 yards after entering the game, although the Vikings could not mount a comeback.
For anyone searching for the Vikings vs Bills score, Buffalo secured a 23-6 victory in the matchup.
Why Are the Vikings Considering a Quarterback Trade?
The biggest concern for Minnesota is the difference between its defensive performance and offensive production.
The Vikings have one of the NFL’s most aggressive defensive units under defensive coordinator Brian Flores. Their defense pressured Josh Allen and limited Buffalo’s opportunities for much of the contest.
However, the offense struggled to maintain possession and put points on the scoreboard.
The situation has become more complicated because Kyler Murray missed Monday’s game with a hamstring injury. His availability for Minnesota’s upcoming game against the Green Bay Packers remains uncertain.
With the trade deadline approaching, the Vikings could explore the quarterback market rather than relying entirely on their current options.
Minnesota also faces pressure to maximize the prime years of star wide receiver Justin Jefferson and avoid wasting a season in which its defense has performed at a high level.
Kirk Cousins and Daniel Jones Among Vikings Trade Targets
Several quarterback names have emerged in discussions surrounding a possible Minnesota Vikings football trade.
Kirk Cousins
Kirk Cousins is one of the most familiar names connected to Minnesota. The veteran quarterback previously played for the Vikings and remains an experienced NFL starter.
Cousins is currently with the Las Vegas Raiders, but reports indicate that the team has not shown a clear willingness to trade him.
According to the reporting surrounding the deadline, the Raiders have not indicated that a deal involving Cousins is close.
His familiarity with Minnesota’s organization and previous experience with the franchise could make him an interesting option if the Raiders become willing to negotiate.
Daniel Jones
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones has also been mentioned in trade speculation.
Jones previously spent part of the 2024 season with Minnesota before joining Indianapolis.
However, a potential Vikings trade involving Jones faces significant obstacles. Reports indicate that the Colts informed him they were not planning to trade him before the deadline.
Jones has recorded 1,722 passing yards, six touchdowns and 10 interceptions this season, according to the supplied reporting.
That makes his availability and current performance important considerations for Minnesota.
Other Possible Quarterback Options
Other names have also entered the conversation, including Geno Smith and free-agent quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo.
However, these suggestions should be distinguished from confirmed trade discussions. There is no confirmed agreement involving Minnesota and any of these quarterbacks in the available Tuesday morning reporting.
What Did Kevin O’Connell Say About a Vikings Trade?
Following the loss to Buffalo, Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell was asked whether the organization would consider trading for a quarterback.
O’Connell deferred the decision to general manager Nolan Teasley.
He also indicated that the organization would begin evaluating potential moves.
The comments came as Minnesota faced growing questions about its quarterback situation and the team’s ability to compete with its current offensive production.
Wide receiver Justin Jefferson also indicated that the decision belonged to the team’s general manager and head coach.
Ultimately, Minnesota’s front office must determine whether an available quarterback could provide a meaningful improvement before the deadline.
Kyler Murray Injury Adds to Minnesota’s Quarterback Problems
Kyler Murray’s hamstring injury has added another layer of uncertainty to Minnesota’s quarterback situation.
Murray was unavailable against Buffalo, forcing Carson Wentz into the starting role.
According to the supplied reporting, Murray’s injury has been described as a strained hamstring, with his status considered week-to-week.
His availability for the upcoming matchup against Green Bay remains uncertain.
Even if Murray returns, the Vikings must evaluate whether he can provide the consistency needed to support their defensive strength and playoff ambitions.
The uncertainty surrounding Murray, combined with Wentz’s performance, explains why quarterback trade rumors have become a major storyline.
What Happens After the 2026 NFL Trade Deadline?
The NFL trade deadline is Tuesday, November 10, 2026, at 4 p.m. ET.
If Minnesota does not complete a quarterback trade before the deadline, its options will become more limited.
Teams can still add players through free agency and the waiver wire after the trade deadline, but regular-season trades will not reopen until the next league year in March.
That means the Vikings must make a decision quickly if they want to acquire a quarterback through a trade.
The organization could also continue with Murray, Wentz and Brosmer rather than surrendering valuable draft capital for an available veteran.
What Is Next for the Minnesota Vikings?
The Vikings now turn their attention to Sunday’s matchup against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field.
Their quarterback situation will be one of the biggest storylines heading into the game.
Minnesota started the season 6-0 but has now suffered consecutive defeats, according to the supplied reporting. The loss against Buffalo highlighted the importance of finding a reliable offensive direction.
Whether the Vikings complete a trade for Kirk Cousins, Daniel Jones or another quarterback remains uncertain.
For now, Minnesota’s biggest challenge is finding a way to make its offense productive enough to complement its defense.
With the NFL trade deadline approaching, the next few hours could be important for the franchise’s plans for the remainder of the 2026 season.
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