The Minnesota Vikings are widely expected to make a quarterback trade before the 2026 deadline after another debacle against the Buffalo Bills on Monday Night Football. And the Washington Commanders might have the answer to their problems.
Marcus Mariota is back after a spell on injured reserve with a sprained MCL. He's backing up Jayden Daniels, and the Commanders won't task him with anything beyond garbage time if their franchise player stays healthy.
The Oregon product remains one of the league's most dependable backup options. Mariota has been in various complex schemes throughout his career, and he knows how to step in at a moment's notice to make an impact.
Commanders could solve the Vikings' problems with Marcus Mariota trade
That matters. And given how well Minnesota's defense is performing, that might be all the Vikings need.
Obviously, it would be a difficult situation. Mariota would have to come in and learn Kevin O'Connell's scheme, which isn't the easiest. But the veteran is experienced enough to handle these responsibilities in a restricted sense before opening things up later in the campaign.
Maybe someone like Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones could be a better option.
He's played under O'Connell before, though he wasn't brought back in free agency. With the AFC South club throwing in the towel, they might consider an offer for their starting signal-caller to enhance their hopes of building for the future.
But if the Vikings need a short-term solution who might not cost as much, then Mariota should be on their shortlist.
Mariota might not be the dynamic force he once was, but he is still athletic. He knows how to move the ball out quickly and accurately. The Vikings have all the pieces; they just need a stable presence to find their exceptional playmakers.
Marcus Mariota trade to the Vikings could be a win-win for everybody
And if the Vikings did come calling for Mariota, the Commanders shouldn't make things difficult.
While he is valued in the building, the Commanders should do right by Mariota. Their slender hopes this season are over if Daniels gets hurt again, so giving seventh-round rookie Athan Kaliakmanis reps would be wise.
Nothing is guaranteed, of course. But if the Vikings make an offer for Mariota, giving the signal-caller a chance to lead a contending team for the rest of the season is just reward for the influential role he's played behind the scenes.
This is a fluid situation. NFL insider Jordan Schultz is hearing whispers about the Vikings working the phones, which is almost guaranteed. Whether Mariota would enter their thought process remains to be seen, but there are far worse avenues to go down in their quest to stop a once promising season from spiraling.
The Commanders would have no trouble holding onto Mariota if Minnesota goes in a different direction. But if they did make an inquiry, or if general manager Adam Peters shopped him in the coming hours, it would be an exciting opportunity for him.
Time will tell on all fronts. But the Vikings have to do something.
Add us as a preferred source on Google