Seven games into the 2026 NFL season, the Minnesota Vikings’ offense looks like it’s still stuck in the mud. Offensive wizard Kevin O’Connell’s scoring attack hasn’t looked dangerous at any point this season, yet chemistry and the overall grasp of the scheme are supposed to improve as Kyler Murray gets more time on task. Yet, it doesn’t look like the former No. 1 overall pick will live up to his potential in Minnesota.

No longer undefeated and boasting a Super Bowl-caliber defense, it’s getting to a point where the Vikings should seriously consider upgrading not just at running back, but at the quarterback position too. Former Pro Bowl QB Carson Wentz may not be the answer either, and Max Brosmer surely isn’t getting the keys to this offense.

Thus, as the Nov. 10 NFL trade deadline approaches, should the Vikings consider targeting a QB upgrade to replace Murray? Here are a few potential Vikings QB trade targets that may or may not be available for the right price.

Spencer Rattler

Currently the New Orleans Saints’ backup to Tyler Shough, some around the league still believe the 26-year-old has some untapped potential after completing 67.7% of his passes for 1,586 yards, eight touchdowns, and five interceptions in eight starts (nine games) in 2025. Could the Vikings’ brass be part of that group that thinks Rattler could have a breakout campaign with a change of scenery? That feels more like an offseason move, as someone to gamble on as a backup rather than handing him the keys midseason, but he could perhaps turn up the heat in Minnesota.

Jacoby Brissett

Benched in Week 8’s loss, Jacoby Brissett’s time as the Arizona Cardinals starting quarterback may be running out, if not expired. He’s certainly not an upper-echelon quarterback, but Brissett has proven he can take care of the ball with the best of them, coming into the season with the lowest interception rate in NFL history. While he’s since lost that claim to future Hall of Famer Aaron Rodgers, Brissett has also shown he’s capable of moving the chains as a passer, something Murray has struggled with all season long. Yet, can the Vikings be convinced that he’d be an upgrade?

Daniel Jones

The early chatter has suggested that the Vikings could even turn back to old friend Daniel Jones, who closed out the 2024 season in Minnesota, appreciating his time learning under coach O’Connell. After being in the early MVP conversation last season, ‘Indiana Jones’ hasn’t had the same magic since coming back from last year’s torn Achilles. In the midst of a fire sale, the Colts may be open to ditching their QB too, especially since former No. 4 overall pick Anthony Richardson is still in town. But again, would the Vikings turn the team over to a struggling Jones? At least he’d know the offense better than many other options that may be available.

Justin Herbert

It may get to a point where the Los Angeles Chargers are ready to pull the plug after a horrendous start. He’s clearly a gifted quarterback with a cannon arm and mobility to manipulate the pocket, but it’s just not working under Jim Harbaugh and Mike McDaniel in 2026. There’s been no indication that the Chargers are ready to blow it all up, but if the Vikings are looking for a different quarterback, they should absolutely be giving Chargers GM Joe Hortiz a call.

Geno Smith

People forget that Geno Smith is playing out of his mind while on an expiring contract with the New York Jets. It’s certainly possible they’ll look to extend him after the season thanks to a breakout year, but the Jets are also 2-6. They’re not going anywhere this season, Smith is 36 years old, and the Jets have three first-round picks in the 2027 NFL Draft, meaning his replacement could be drafted in April. Plus, they also have fourth-round rookie Cade Klubnik, who the front office may be eager to evaluate, especially if they can get a solid Day 3 pick for selling high on Smith.

Mac Jones

Mac Jones is an extremely valued piece of the San Francisco 49ers, helping lead them to a 5-3 record while Brock Purdy was hurt last season. But Purdy is healthy again and performing like one of the NFL’s best QBs this season. Jones is also on an expiring contract, and after spending the past two seasons under Kyle Shanahan, he may be uniquely equipped to operate coach O’Connell’s offense too. Still just 28 years old, the Vikings may view Jones as their potential QB of the future, and getting him in the building now would be more valuable than having to bid with other interested parties on the open market.

Kirk Cousins

If there’s a ‘dream’ QB trade target for Minnesota’s front office right now, it’s Kirk Cousins. Not only has he operated coach O’Connell’s offense better than anyone else ever has, the four-time Pro Bowler is back to playing at an elite level, leading the league with 19 passing touchdowns in eight games. The Las Vegas Raiders are 4-4, and they may not be willing to sell at the moment, possibly preferring to hold all their chips right up until the NFL trade deadline, whereas the Vikings may be itching to make a move right now.