Wentz’s Struggles Put Vikings’ Quarterback Search in Focus

Carson Wentz completed 8 of 25 passes for 81 yards and threw two interceptions in the Vikings’ 23–6 loss to the Bills on November 9. He also lost a fumble. His performance intensified questions about Minnesota’s quarterback situation as the trade deadline approached Tuesday at 4 p.m. Eastern time.

The Vikings are 6–2 after eight games, trailing Chicago by half a game in the NFC North. They are due to visit Green Bay next week in a game important to the division race. Minnesota’s defense has been a strength, but the team’s quarterbacks have struggled: Wentz and Kyler Murray have combined for eight touchdowns, five interceptions, a 60% completion rate and 6.3 yards per attempt.

One proposed option is a trade for Raiders quarterback Kirk Cousins, who has thrown for 2,340 yards and 20 touchdowns. Geno Smith of the Jets, with 2,078 passing yards and 12 touchdowns, was also suggested. A deal for Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert was raised as a more expensive possibility; he has six touchdowns and 11 interceptions.

Other possible targets named include Mitchell Trubisky, Joe Flacco, Justin Fields and Marcus Mariota. The argument for pursuing a quarterback is that Minnesota’s defense and 6–2 record give the team a chance to compete, but continued poor play at the position could waste that opportunity. The Vikings are also scheduled to face the 49ers in Mexico City in two weeks.