The Minnesota Vikings are actively on the hunt for a veteran quarterback, a move that’s becoming increasingly essential as the options dwindle. While Aaron Rodgers’ name has often been floated in the past, it’s safe to say that ship has likely sailed, leaving room for speculation on who could fill the role. Recent insights from Vikings GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and Ben Goessling of the Minnesota Star Tribune have shed light on the potential timing for bringing in some seasoned experience.

With the NFL’s compensatory pick formula in play, the Vikings are expected to bide their time until the stroke of 3 p.m. on April 28. That cut-off removes any free-agent signings from impacting their 2026 draft capital, allowing them to bring in a veteran quarterback without losing valuable draft picks. This strategy aligns nicely with the end of the 2025 NFL Draft, making it prudent for the Vikings to wait until this pivotal date before making a move.

Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox has already got the rumor mill buzzing, suggesting a clear-cut choice for the Vikings in free agency. As head coach Kevin O’Connell noted, amidst the Aaron Rodgers chatter, Joe Flacco emerges as a more practical option. Flacco, who proved his capabilities with the Colts last season by supporting a young quarterback while also being ready to jump into the fray, fits the Vikings’ needs without the fanfare that a player like Rodgers would bring.

Flacco’s experience positions him as an ideal mentor for J.J. McCarthy, providing stability without overshadowing the team dynamic.

Though his game against the Vikings last season with the Colts wasn’t stellar, his track record shows he’s more than able to step up when needed. For Flacco, the opportunity to join the Vikings is one of the few left on the table, with the number of teams seeking a veteran presence shrinking in tandem with Minnesota’s urgency.

As the clock ticks down to April 28, it feels like it’s only a matter of time before Flacco finds his way to the Vikings. The stage is set for Minnesota to make a strategic move that aligns timing, talent, and team needs into one savvy off-season acquisition.