The Minnesota Vikings are exploring the quarterback market with hours remaining before the 2026 NFL trade deadline, according to reports from league insiders.
The NFL trade deadline is scheduled for 4 p.m. Eastern time on Tuesday, November 10, according to the NFL’s official calendar.
As of 2 p.m. ET, there was no official confirmation that Minnesota had completed a quarterback trade.
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Nfl Trade Deadline: Why the Vikings are looking at quarterbacks
The Vikings entered Monday night’s game against the Buffalo Bills with a 6-1 record but lost 23-6 at U.S. Bank Stadium.
The official NFL game summary lists Carson Wentz as Minnesota’s starting quarterback and Max Brosmer as the backup.
Wentz struggled during the defeat and was replaced late by Brosmer, increasing pressure on Minnesota’s front office to examine alternatives before the deadline.
Kyler Murray, who opened the season as Minnesota’s starter, has been dealing with a hamstring injury and was ruled out for the Buffalo game.
The Vikings previously described Murray as week to week.
Minnesota’s official transactions page shows that the team added Brosmer to its active roster in September and traded J.J.
McCarthy to the New York Giants for a 2027 fifth-round pick on September 28.
Reported quarterback targets
League reports have connected the Vikings with veteran quarterbacks including Kirk Cousins and Daniel Jones, although no agreement had been announced by mid-afternoon.
Cousins previously played six seasons in Minnesota before leaving in free agency in 2024.
He is now with the Las Vegas Raiders, while Jones is with the Indianapolis Colts.
The potential availability of either player would depend on the willingness of his current team to make a deal, the compensation demanded and the financial details of any trade.
Other quarterbacks could also enter the conversation if Minnesota cannot reach an agreement with its most prominent targets.
What happens after the deadline
Once the 4 p.m. ET deadline passes, teams cannot complete further trades for the remainder of the 2026 season.
The Vikings could still address the position through free agency or by claiming a player released by another team, but those routes would offer a narrower range of options than a trade.
Players with at least four previous pension-credited seasons become subject to the waiver system beginning Wednesday, November 11, according to the NFL’s official calendar.
Pressure grows before Green Bay game
Minnesota’s next game is against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday, November 15, according to the official Vikings schedule, giving any newly acquired quarterback little time to learn the offence before taking on a division rival.
The Vikings also have a demanding stretch ahead, including a November 22 international game against the San Francisco 49ers in Mexico City.
That schedule helps explain why Minnesota could be willing to consider a short-term move despite the difficulty of acquiring a starting-calibre quarterback in the middle of a season.
For now, the team’s quarterback situation remains unsettled, with the deadline clock continuing to run in Minnesota’s favour only until 4 p.m. ET.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time is the 2026 NFL trade deadline?
The 2026 NFL trade deadline is 4 p.m. Eastern time on Tuesday, November 10.
Have the Vikings completed a quarterback trade?
No completed quarterback trade had been officially confirmed as of 2 p.m. ET on November 10, 2026.
Why are the Vikings looking for another quarterback?
Kyler Murray is dealing with a hamstring injury, while Carson Wentz struggled during Minnesota’s 23-6 loss to Buffalo.
Who are the quarterbacks linked to Minnesota?
Reports have identified former Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins and Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones as possible options.
Can Minnesota sign a quarterback after the trade deadline?
Yes. The Vikings can still sign a free agent or claim a player released by another team, although they cannot make another trade after the deadline.
Fact-Checked: Key dates, the deadline time, Minnesota’s roster moves, quarterback injury context and the Bills game result were checked against official NFL and Vikings information.
Disclaimer: Quarterback trade discussions remained fluid before the deadline, and reported targets should not be treated as confirmed transactions unless officially announced.