NFL Rumors: Ryan Tannehill, Vikings 'Had Discussions' About Contract; Nothing Imminent

The Minnesota Vikings are having "ongoing" discussions with free agent quarterback Ryan Tannehill this offseason, Fox Sports' Jordan Schultz reported.

According to Schultz, "nothing is imminent as of right now."

Tannehill spent the 2019-2023 seasons with the Tennessee Titans, leading the franchise to a 3-5 record through eight starts in 2023 before going unsigned in 2024.

The Vikings could be seeking someone to back up rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy, who is expected to head into the offseason as QB1, per NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.

Minnesota reportedly initially pursued Daniel Jones this offseason by pitching the former Giants starter "an open competition for the starting job," according to The Athletic's Alec Lewis. Jones ultimately signed with the Indianapolis Colts.

Nick Mullens, who served as the Vikings' QB2 between 2022 and 2024, then departed in free agency to join former Vikings assistant quarterback coach Grant Udinski and the Jacksonville Jaguars.

The Vikings were then tied to Aaron Rodgers, but Pelissero reported Wednesday the franchise was "not pursuing" the veteran free agent quarterback.

That leaves Minnesota, who have only McCarthy and Brett Rypien under contract, still in need of a veteran quarterback to provide some insurance ahead of McCarthy's first NFL start.

Tannehill said last July in an appearance on The Athletic's Scoop City podcast that "nothing really felt right" last free agency, and that he would consider returning to the NFL only if "was the right situation and felt like it was a good fit for me and my family."

NBC Sports' Mike Florio then reported in September that Tannehill wanted to play "where he’ll have the chance to play for the balance of the season," with "a competent line, real weapons on offense, and legitimate playoff aspirations."

That could potentially make the Vikings a fit for Tannehill's NFL comeback if the franchise decides he could fit into the depth chart behind McCarthy.

Tannehill, who turns 37 in July, was named the NFL's Comeback Player of the Year in 2019. The former No. 8 pick played six seasons in Miami and five with the Titans before spending the 2024 campaign away from the league.