As the 2026 NFL season approaches, the Minnesota Vikings are actively exploring options to enhance their quarterback roster, with free agency set to begin in mid-March. The team’s decision could reflect its confidence in young signal-caller J.J. McCarthy and their urgency to become playoff contenders.
Former Vikings defensive standout Jared Allen recently weighed in on the quarterback conversation during a February 11 appearance on Up & Adams, naming Miami Dolphins’ Tua Tagovailoa and San Francisco 49ers’ Mac Jones as potential fits for Minnesota’s offense.
Jared Allen Champions Tua Tagovailoa’s Potential to Lead Vikings
Allen emphasized Tagovailoa’s credentials, highlighting his college championship and flashes of strong performance in the NFL. He believes that with an improved offensive line and weapons like wide receiver Justin Jefferson, Tagovailoa could thrive in Minnesota’s system.
I think people might hate me for that; I think Tua is actually an interesting option,
Allen told host Kay Adams.
I mean, the dude won a championship in college, right? He showed signs. And if you put Kevin with that offense [and] you get a good offensive line.
– Jared Allen, Former Vikings Pass Rusher
Allen also expressed a positive view of Mac Jones, recounting his effective relief performance with the 49ers and praising his college pedigree.
I think Mac Jones, I like what Mac did when he stepped in for [Brock] Purdy,
Allen said.
I think he did a great job in San Francisco. So I like Mac. I like Mac Jones coming out of college, to be honest with you. So I think he’s talented…
– Jared Allen, Former Vikings Pass Rusher
He further noted the development of Sam Darnold as an example of unexpected quarterback success.
And obviously, Sam Darnold, in hindsight, was the answer. Does that win the Super Bowl for us? I don’t know. But hats off to the kid. I mean, he went out there, turned his career around, and just dominating.
– Jared Allen, Former Vikings Pass Rusher
Reunion Talks Stir: Kirk Cousins Emerges as a Candidate for Vikings
Alongside Tagovailoa and Jones, veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins has come back into discussion as a possible option to compete for the Vikings’ starting role. Reports dating to early February revealed that Minnesota is among the teams interested in bringing Cousins back for a reunion, especially given his past rapport with head coach Kevin O’Connell.
On February 7, The Athletic’s Dianna Russini spotlighted this rumor.
I’m watching to see if the Falcons find any parties interested in [Cousins],
Russini wrote.
Speaking of those Vikings, one league source speculated that Cousins could be an option there, given his history with Kevin O’Connell and Minnesota’s desire to bring in competition for young J.J. McCarthy.
– Dianna Russini, The Athletic
Uncertainty Surrounds Kirk Cousins’ Path Following Falcons Release
Further details on Cousins’ status surfaced on February 9, when ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter announced that the Atlanta Falcons intend to release the quarterback before the new league year begins. This move would make Cousins a free agent and open up a variety of options for him, ranging from continuing to play, exploring broadcasting, or even retiring.
Speaking on the Pat McAfee Show, Schefter explained the circumstances and Cousins’ uncertain future.
“Kirk Cousins is expected to be released,”
Schefter stated. “[The Falcons] restructured his contract with the idea that he will be released. He’ll be released before the new league year begins. I think he’d like to play, but he’s going to consider all his options.
That could include TV, that could include retirement, whatever it is that he wants to do, he’ll have the option to do it. But the Falcons will release him before the start of the new league year, so that’ll be an option for him.
You bring up Minnesota. Well, Minnesota is always going to bring in a quarterback. Obviously, they have to do that anyway. The question is, who’s that going to be? I asked Kirk about Minnesota last week, and I didn’t get a no, but I didn’t get a yes. It’s possible, but there are a lot of things out there that are possible with him.
– Adam Schefter, ESPN NFL Insider
The Road Ahead: Implications for the Vikings’ Quarterback Situation
The Vikings face a critical decision in the coming weeks that will shape their trajectory for the 2026 season and beyond. Whether they opt to pursue a proven veteran like Kirk Cousins, take a chance on promising talents such as Tua Tagovailoa or Mac Jones, or continue to develop J.J. McCarthy, these choices will influence their competitiveness and playoff aspirations.
As free agency unfolds, Minnesota’s moves will reveal how much faith the organization places in its young quarterback and how aggressively it aims to strengthen the team’s offensive core to contend in a crowded NFL landscape.
HOF'er Jared Allen sizes up potential QB fits for the Vikings vs. JJ McCarthy 👀@heykayadams pic.twitter.com/YWnFiTsG1f
— Up & Adams (@UpAndAdamsShow) February 11, 2026
"Kirk Cousins is expected to be released..
I think he would like to play but he's gonna consider his options" ~ @AdamSchefter #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/8uCpWoWV7g
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) February 9, 2026
