The Minnesota Vikings have to make a move at quarterback this offseason.
Whether it's re-signing Carson Wentz or another veteran quarterback, the Vikings need more competition and an insurance policy for J.J. McCarthy, who the jury is still out on entering his third season.
One player who could be an option is Los Angeles Rams backup quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, who Vikings Territory's Josh Frey predicts will sign with Minnesota.
"Garoppolo is an experienced, reliable veteran quarterback who spent the 2025 season in Sean McVay’s system. That’s a perfect fit in Kevin O’Connell’s offense," Frey said.
Drafted by the New England Patriots in the second round of the 2014 draft, Jimmy G, who won two Super Bowls with the Patriots, once backed up Tom Brady before Garoppolo was traded to the San Francisco 49ers in 2017.
Garoppolo spent six seasons there before landing with the Las Vegas Raiders in free agency in 2023, where he started in just six games before getting benched upon the Raiders firing Josh McDaniels.
Garoppolo has served as Matthew Stafford's backup in Los Angeles the past two seasons, and while it's logical to believe he could return there in 2026, he may also be looking for a better opportunity to start, something the Rams can't offer him as long as Stafford is still playing.
But the Vikings can offer him a better path to a starting job. After all, McCarthy has not cemented himself as a viable NFL starter, and he has dealt with injury issues his first two seasons, which presents another avenue for Jimmy G to start.
Garoppolo would be a fine solution to what the Vikings need, which is someone to push McCarthy while also being capable of stepping in and giving Minnesota an opportunity to win games if McCarthy falters or gets hurt.
Garoppolo has shown he can win games. Not only does he have a 43-21 record as a starter in the regular season, he has also won four playoff games.
And, something that is also important is Garoppolo won't cost much, which is ideal for a Vikings team that stands to enter the offseason $48.9 million over the cap.
If Garoppolo doesn't return to Los Angeles and is seeking an opportunity to start, the Vikings would be a perfect opportunity for him.
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