The Vikings have been in talks with former Tennessee Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill regarding a potential deal. These discussions are ongoing, but no agreement is expected in the immediate future.
Tannehill was drafted by the Dolphins in the first round (8th overall) of the 2012 NFL Draft. Over six years with Miami, he amassed 20,434 passing yards and 123 touchdowns, ranking third in both categories in franchise history behind Hall of Famers Dan Marino and Bob Griese.
Despite showing flashes of talent, Tannehill never fully lived up to his first-round status, leading to a trade to the Titans. Miami traded him, along with a 2019 sixth-round pick, for a 2020 fourth-round pick and a 2019 seventh-round pick.
The latest report mentions that “nothing is imminent,” dampening hopes of a quick resolution, but the potential fit between Tannehill and the Vikings is logical. Minnesota is looking for a veteran quarterback to back up J.J. McCarthy without creating a true competition for the starting job.
For Tannehill, joining as McCarthy’s mentor would prolong his career while allowing him to pass on his experience to the next generation of quarterbacks. He’d also remain just one injury or slow start away from stepping back into the starting role in Minnesota.
However, Tannehill would need to accept his role as a backup, something he struggled with last season when he held out for a starting opportunity that never materialized. Perhaps a year off has changed his perspective.
