Will Vikings Trade for Anthony Richardson? A 2026 QB Competition Option

Vikings QB shakeup: Will Anthony Richardson replace J.J. McCarthy? Dive into the drama on The Real Forno Show as Tyler Forness predicts a bold trade. In this episode, hosts Tyler Forness and Dave Stefano analyze the Minnesota Vikings’ quarterback competition for 2026, sparked by Kevin O’Connell’s call for competition and Kwesi Adofo-Mensah’s non-committal stance on McCarthy. With a possible Vikings QB trade, looking at the potential Anthony Richardson Vikings acquisition, evaluating a Malik Willis free agent signing, and the lack of 2026 NFL Draft prospects, this podcast episode hooks fans with insider predictions and realistic options amid a barren QB market.

In a candid discussion on The Real Forno Show, Tyler Forness declares, “I think the Vikings are going to end up trading for Richardson,” citing the low cost of a compensatory third-round pick and Richardson’s MVP-level upside despite his inaccuracies and injury history. Co-host Dave Stefano chimes in on the market shortage, noting, “There’s a shortage on the market, so whoever goes is gonna be expensive.” The episode covers free agents like Malik Willis, who might demand a three-year $90 million+ deal, and dismisses “pipe dreams” like Joe Burrow or Lamar Jackson trades with low odds (~10-20% for Burrow, ~5-10% for Jackson). Forness emphasizes McCarthy’s inconsistencies, saying, “J.J. McCarthy’s not a franchise quarterback right now,” while exploring trades for Mac Jones, Kyler Murray, and Geno Smith.

Key points include:

• QB Competition Realities: O’Connell wants genuine competition; McCarthy’s injuries (missing 25 of 35 games) and mechanics need fixing in the offseason.
• Free Agent Options: Limited market; Willis could cost ~$90M over three years; Aaron Rodgers and Daniel Jones (injury) dismissed as poor fits.
• Trade Candidates: Richardson as top prediction for his tools and O’Connell’s past interest; Mac Jones might require a second-round pick; low odds for Burrow (discontent in Cincinnati) or Jackson (high cap hit).
• Draft Outlook: Barren 2026 class with Fernando Mendoza likely first overall; Vikings at No. 18 prioritize other needs unless value drops.
• Other Topics: Jordan Addison’s arrest discussed as a misdemeanor but compounding issues; potential Hockenson cut critiqued as bad business.

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Tyler Forness @TheRealForno of Vikings 1st & SKOL @Vikings1stSKOL and A to Z Sports @AtoZSportsNFL, with Dave Stefano @Luft_Krigare producing this Vikings 1st & SKOL production, the @RealFornoShow. Podcasts partnered with Fans First Sports Network @FansFirstSN.

What do you think:

Should the Vikings trade for Anthony Richardson or stick with developing JJ McCarthy? Share your thoughts in the comments!