On the search for a veteran insurance policy for J.J. McCarthy, the Minnesota Vikings have not left any stone unturned.
For a week, the team kept quiet on Aaron Rodgers as rumors swirled about the possibility of Rodgers becoming the Vikings’ starter for the 2025 season.
But since shelving conversations around Rodgers, the Vikings need a veteran more fitting of a backup to support McCarthy.
And, according to Minnesota Star Tribune beat reporter Ben Goessling, a reunion was on the table in Minnesota.
Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell celebrates with quarterback Joshua Dobbs (15)
Brad Rempel-Imagn Images
On a March 21 episode of the “Access Vikings” podcast, Goessling reported that the Vikings considered bringing back Josh Dobbs.
“I actually heard this week that Josh Dobbs was a guy they looked at bringing back for a second tour of duty in Minnesota,” Goessling said. “They’re looking in that market from what I understand at this point.”
Dobbs ultimately signed a two-year, $8 million contract to join the New England Patriots as a backup behind Drake Maye.
The NFL journeyman quarterback arrived in Minnesota at the 2023 trade deadline after Kirk Cousins suffered a season-ending knee injury. He took the league by storm, relieving then-rookie Jaren Hall in the first quarter of a Week 9 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons.
With just three days of preparation, Dobbs orchestrated a heroic 31-28 comeback victory with barely any knowledge of the playbook. Dobbs had never taken a single snap under center, nor thrown a single pass to his wide receivers, but finished the game with 158 yards passing, 66 yards rushing and three total touchdowns.
It became one of the most miraculous stories of the season and put Kevin O’Connell’s reputation as a quarterback whisperer on a pedestal, feeding Dobbs every play call and progressions in real time.
While Dobbs mania was shortlived (he was benched after four starts with the team), a reunion with Dobbs would have been cozy knowing the cultural glue he provided during a turbulent season.
The Vikings remain on the search for a veteran who can support McCarthy’s development. The team is reportedly interested in former Tennessee Titans Pro Bowl quarterback Ryan Tannehill, a former teammate of Dobbs.
