The Minnesota Vikings enter the 2026 NFL season with two quarterbacks fighting for the starting job. Both Kyler Murray and J.J. McCarthy are still involved in the competition for the job.
While the Vikings have Murray, McCarthy, and Carson Wentz on the roster, there are still some who don’t think they have their long-term quarterback on the roster.
Even after taking McCarthy with the No. 10 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, it is clear that Minnesota doesn’t have confidence in him. That led to the Vikings signing Murray shortly after he was released by the Arizona Cardinals this offseason.
Keeping all of that in mind, one NFL scout spoke to Heavy about a potential quarterback who could fit with Minnesota and be a long-term franchise option.
NFL Scout Names Potential Long-Term Quarterback Option for Vikings
It’s still possible that Murray or McCarthy could win the job and prove that they are a legitimate option for years to come. That would be an ideal scenario for the Vikings.
However, if the team is still searching for a long-term option after the 2026 season, one NFL scout who currently works for an NFC team believes that Minnesota should target Ohio State Buckeyes standout Julian Sayin in the 2027 NFL Draft.
“I’m not sold Kyler (Murray) or J.J. (McCarthy) are the guy in Minnesota,” the scout said. “They could prove me wrong, but I’d really like to see Julian Sayin with the Vikings.”
What Would Julian Sayin Bring to Minnesota?
Looking at last year’s numbers in his first year as the starter for Ohio State, it’s clear that Sayin has massive potential.
Throughout the course of the 2025 season, Sayin completed 77 percent of his pass attempts for 3,610 yards, 32 touchdowns, and eight interceptions. Prior to the 2025 campaign, he had only thrown 12 passes for 84 yards and a touchdown in college.
Sayin went from behind a third-string quarterback to being a Heisman level starter.
Heading into the 2026 season, the expectations for Sayin are through the roof. If he lives up to the hype, he will be one of the top quarterback prospects in the 2027 NFL Draft.
Obviously, the Vikings are hoping that they won’t be in a position to draft Sayin. That would mean either Murray or McCarthy has taken over the offense and thrived. But, if the team struggles again in 2026, Sayin would make a lot of sense as a target for next season.
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