**Vikings $4 Million QB Jaren Hall: Prime Trade Candidate as Roster Cuts Loom**
As the NFL preseason nears its conclusion, the Minnesota Vikings find themselves in a peculiar and challenging position regarding their quarterback depth chart. The quarterback room, which has already seen significant transformation during the offseason, might undergo further changes as the team prepares for the final roster cuts. One name that has emerged as a potential trade candidate is Jaren Hall, a young quarterback with a promising future who could be on the move as the Vikings weigh their options.
### The Evolving Vikings Quarterback Room
The Minnesota Vikings have experienced a whirlwind of changes at the quarterback position since the offseason began. The most significant move was the departure of longtime starter Kirk Cousins, who left in free agency after a mixed tenure with the team. The Vikings quickly moved to secure the services of Sam Darnold, a former first-round pick who has had an up-and-down career with the New York Jets and Carolina Panthers. Darnold was expected to take the reins as the Vikings’ starting quarterback, but the team didn’t stop there.
In the 2024 NFL Draft, the Vikings selected J.J. McCarthy, a highly-touted quarterback prospect out of Michigan. McCarthy was seen as the future of the franchise, a young quarterback with immense potential who could learn and develop behind Darnold. However, the Vikings’ plans were thrown into disarray when McCarthy suffered a meniscus injury during training camp. The injury required season-ending surgery, leaving the Vikings with a significant hole in their quarterback depth chart.
Rather than panicking and signing another veteran quarterback, the Vikings made an unconventional move by bringing in Matt Corral, a former third-round pick of the Carolina Panthers. Corral, who has yet to take a regular-season snap in the NFL, joined the Vikings with the hope of competing for a backup role behind Darnold. This move further complicated the situation for Jaren Hall, a 2023 fifth-round selection who showed flashes of potential last season.
### Jaren Hall’s Uncertain Future
Jaren Hall’s rookie season was a mixed bag, to say the least. The young quarterback was thrust into action during the 2023 season when injuries and inconsistent play forced the Vikings to give him a shot. Hall started two games, finishing with a 1-1 record. While his performances were not without flaws, he displayed enough potential to make the Vikings’ front office take notice.
In his first start against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 9, Hall completed 13-of-20 passes for 168 yards and one interception before suffering a concussion late in the first quarter. Despite the early exit, Hall showed poise in the pocket and made several impressive throws. However, his second start against the Green Bay Packers in Week 17 was less encouraging. In a must-win game for the Vikings, Hall struggled out of the gate and was pulled early in favor of veteran Nick Mullens.
As the 2024 preseason unfolded, Hall found himself buried on the depth chart behind Darnold, Mullens, and the newly signed Corral. However, he made the most of his opportunities in limited preseason action. In the Vikings’ second preseason game against the Cleveland Browns, Hall completed 4-of-5 passes for 87 yards and two touchdowns, reminding everyone of his potential. Despite these flashes, Hall’s place on the roster remains uncertain as the team approaches the final cuts.
### The Trade Rumors Begin
With the NFL’s roster cut deadline looming, speculation has begun to swirl around Jaren Hall’s future with the Vikings. Some analysts, such as Matthew Coller of Purple Insider, have suggested that Hall could be a cut candidate as the team trims its roster to 53 players. However, the Vikings may have other plans for their young quarterback.
One intriguing possibility is that the Vikings could explore trading Hall to a quarterback-needy team before the final roster cuts. While Hall may not command a significant return on his own, he could be part of a package deal that nets the Vikings a late-round draft pick or a player at another position of need. Given that Hall has three years remaining on his $4 million rookie contract, he could be an attractive option for teams looking to add depth at the quarterback position without breaking the bank.
### Potential Trade Partners: Pittsburgh Steelers
One team that has emerged as a potential trade partner for the Vikings is the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Steelers are in the midst of a quarterback reshuffling of their own, with questions surrounding the future of veteran Russell Wilson. Wilson, who was acquired by the Steelers in a blockbuster trade earlier in the offseason, has faced competition from former Chicago Bears starter Justin Fields. Fields’ strong preseason performances have raised doubts about Wilson’s long-term future in Pittsburgh, and some analysts believe that the Steelers could look to move on from the veteran quarterback.
ESPN analyst and former NFL general manager Mike Tannenbaum recently floated the idea of a trade that would send Russell Wilson to the Vikings in exchange for Jaren Hall and a draft pick. Tannenbaum suggested that Wilson would be a better option for the Vikings than Sam Darnold and that the two quarterbacks could compete for the starting job in Minnesota. The trade would also give the Steelers a young quarterback in Hall, who could potentially develop into a reliable backup or even a future starter.
### Hall’s Value to the Vikings
While the trade rumors are intriguing, the Vikings must also consider Jaren Hall’s value to their own roster. Despite the crowded quarterback room, Hall still has potential and could be a valuable asset to the team in the future. At just 26 years old, Hall has room to grow, and his familiarity with the Vikings’ offensive system could give him an edge over other quarterbacks on the roster.
Alec Lewis of The Athletic recently highlighted Hall’s work ethic and dedication to improving his game. According to Lewis, Hall has consistently been one of the last players on the field after practice, working with assistant quarterbacks coach Grant Udinski to refine his skills. This commitment to his craft has not gone unnoticed by the Vikings’ coaching staff, who value Hall’s maturity and drive.
The decision facing the Vikings is whether to keep Hall as a third-string quarterback or practice squad option or to trade him to another team in exchange for a draft pick or player. If the Vikings believe that Hall’s potential outweighs the value they could receive in a trade, they may opt to keep him on the roster as insurance against injuries or poor performance by the other quarterbacks.
### Conclusion: What Lies Ahead for Jaren Hall?
As the final roster cuts approach, Jaren Hall’s future with the Minnesota Vikings remains uncertain. The young quarterback has shown enough potential to warrant consideration for a spot on the roster, but the crowded quarterback room and the possibility of a trade add layers of complexity to the decision.
The Vikings must weigh the value of keeping Hall as a developmental quarterback against the potential benefits of trading him to a team in need of depth at the position. Whether Hall remains in Minnesota or finds himself on a new team by the start of the regular season, his journey is far from over. For now, all eyes are on the Vikings’ front office as they navigate this critical juncture in the offseason.
