Vikings explore quarterback trade options before deadline

The Minnesota Vikings are actively scouting the quarterback market ahead of the NFL trade deadline, according to NFL Network analyst Mike Garafolo. Garafolo said the team’s focus on a potential trade intensified after Carson Wentz struggled in Monday night’s loss to the Buffalo Bills, completing 8 of 25 passes for 81 yards and two interceptions.

Wentz posted the league’s lowest drop-back EPA and success rate in Week 9 and appeared to sustain an ankle injury in the second half. With starter Kyler Murray listed as "week-to-week" due to a hamstring strain, the Vikings could target a veteran such as Kirk Cousins or Daniel Jones before the 4:00 p.m. Eastern deadline.

"The word going into last night was the Vikings would be in the QB market ahead of the trade deadline if Carson Wentz didn’t play well," Garafolo said.

The Raiders, who currently hold Cousins, have not indicated a willingness to trade him. Minnesota also added veteran wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. to the active roster, while the team’s offensive production remains limited; Justin Jefferson recorded only 178 total yards of offense in the loss.

If a trade materializes, it could provide a more consistent passing option for Jefferson and other receivers. The Vikings remain in a tightly contested NFC North, where all four teams are separated by a single game through the first half of the season.

Other league news includes the 49ers acquiring WR Keenan Allen from the Colts, the Bengals’ failed trade for EDGE Arnold Ebiketie, and the Dolphins placing DT Zach Sieler on season-ending injured reserve.