Report: Vikings Searching for QB Help Ahead of NFL Trade Deadline
The NFL trade deadline is days away, and ahead of Nov. 4, the Vikings are searching for quarterback help behind starter J.J. McCarthy, according to a report from ESPN's Adam Schefter.
McCarthy, who is set to return to the lineup on Sunday against the Lions after missing the last five games with a high ankle sprain, was replaced by veteran Carson Wentz while recovering. But Wentz suffered a season ending shoulder injury in Minnesota's loss to the Chargers on Oct. 23, leaving McCarthy to now be backed up by undrafted rookie Max Brosmer.
The Vikings did not want to head into the season without a reliable veteran backup to McCarthy, and the belief around the league is that Minnesota still holds that view with Wentz shelved for the season.
Schefter noted that a reunion with former starter Kirk Cousins could make sense, but that the Falcons have not shown an interest in trading him, as he has provided Atlanta with depth of their own behind second-year starter Michael Penix Jr.
Could the Giants move one of their backups in Russell Wilson or Jameis Winston?
The expectation is that Minnesota will be looking to add to their quarterback room ahead of Tuesday's deadline.
Mike Vrabel Strongly Denies Falcons' Accusations of Misconduct Against Patriots
Mike Vrabel, head coach of the Tennessee Titans, has come out strongly against the Atlanta Falcons’ recent accusations
“These accusations are completely baseless,” Vrabel said in his press conference. “The Patriots have a long-standing reputation in this league, and these kinds of claims don’t hold any water. There’s no truth to what the Falcons are alleging, and I’m not going to let those accusations slide.”
The controversy erupted after the Falcons made public claims about certain actions by the Patriots during their Week 8 game. The accusations suggested unsportsmanlike conduct and questionable coaching decisions that allegedly gave the Patriots an unfair advantage. While the specifics of the claims were vague, they were met with swift backlash from the Patriots' camp, with Vrabel being one of the most vocal supporters of the team's integrity.
“These kinds of allegations are reckless and harm the spirit of the game,” Vrabel continued. “I’ve been in this league long enough to know how things work, and I can tell you without a doubt that the Patriots are a team that plays the game the right way. It’s unfortunate that these kinds of accusations are being thrown around.”
Vrabel, who has a deep connection to the Patriots organization after his time as both a player and coach, made it clear that he would not allow the Falcons’ allegations to tarnish the Patriots’ reputation.
“These kinds of attacks are damaging to the game and to the teams involved,” he said. “What we need to focus on is playing football, not creating unnecessary distractions. The Patriots have earned their place in this league through hard work and integrity.”
As the controversy continues to simmer, Vrabel’s comments reflect the broader frustration within the Patriots’ camp over what they see as an unjustified smear. Both the Patriots and Falcons are moving forward, but the damage to the relationship between the two teams may linger for some time.
“We’re focused on what’s next,” Vrabel concluded. “But don’t mistake our focus on the game for a lack of respect for how we do things. We do things the right way, and we’ll continue to do so.”
