The Minnesota Vikings are planning a significant roster overhaul that could bring a veteran quarterback into competition with J.J. McCarthy for the 2026 starting job.

According to ESPN, the Vikings are eyeing Tua Tagovailoa (Miami Dolphins), Kyler Murray (Arizona Cardinals), Geno Smith (Las Vegas Raiders), and Kirk Cousins (Atlanta Falcons) as potential additions to their quarterback room this offseason.

Minnesota is also moving on from running back Aaron Jones and defensive tackle Javon Hargrave, freeing up over $18 million in cap space.

Cousins: The Free Agent Option

Cousins is the only quarterback in that group set to hit free agency. The Falcons announced last week they will release him when the new league year begins March 11.

Cousins previously starred in Minnesota, posting solid numbers in six seasons with the Vikings under head coach Kevin O'Connell for two of those years. He led the Vikings to the playoffs in 2022 before an Achilles tear cut his 2023 season short.

Three Trade/Cut Candidates

Tagovailoa, Murray, and Smith are all candidates to be released or traded in coming weeks.

Tagovailoa: Dolphins general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan told reporters at the combine this week the team is open to all options, including releasing him. If cut, Miami could absorb a record $99.2 million dead cap hit depending on timing.

Murray: The quarterback is actively seeking a cut from Arizona, a league source told FOX Sports. The Cardinals have also "grown frustrated" with Murray, according to team sources.

Smith: The former league interception leader appears on his way out in Las Vegas after Klint Kubiak took over as head coach. The Raiders are expected to draft Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 pick in 2026.

2025 Performance Comparison

• Cousins: 5-3 record, 1,721 passing yards, 10 TDs, 5 INTs
• Tagovailoa: 2,660 passing yards, 20 TDs, 15 INTs (benched final three games)
• Murray: 951 passing yards, 6 TDs, 3 INTs in five games before foot injury; 173 rushing yards, 1 rushing TD
• Smith: 3,025 passing yards, 19 TDs, 17 INTs in 15 games (led league in interceptions)

Vikings Jettison Jones and Hargrave

Jones rushed for just 548 yards in 2025—the second-fewest of his nine-year career—averaging 4.2 yards per attempt, also second-worst of his tenure. He added 199 receiving yards and a touchdown.

Hargrave recorded 52 total tackles, 3.5 sacks, and 31 pressures in the first year of a two-year, $30 million contract. Both players could still be traded rather than released outright.