Tannenbaum Urges Vikings to Pursue Daniel Jones

Former NFL executive Mike Tannenbaum says Minnesota's struggling passing game needs a quarterback upgrade as Kyler Murray's status is uncertain.

Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Football

Tannenbaum Urges Vikings to Pursue Daniel Jones

Former NFL general manager Mike Tannenbaum urged the Minnesota Vikings to trade for Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones on ESPN's "Get Up." The Vikings, who hold a 6-1 record and lead the NFC North, are averaging 20.0 points per game, ranking 27th in the league.

Why it matters

Tannenbaum argued that the Vikings' sputtering passing game needs a quarterback upgrade and that adding Jones would give Minnesota a real chance at the division. The debate comes as Vikings quarterback Kyler Murray's availability for the Buffalo Bills game remains in doubt due to a hamstring injury.

The Vikings have topped 20 points only three times in seven games, and Jones's two-year deal is worth $88 million, up to $100 million, with $10 million guaranteed. Tannenbaum's trade proposal has not been acted on by the team, and Murray's status is described as "up in the air."

The players

Mike Tannenbaum

Former NFL general manager and ESPN analyst who has previously worked in front offices and is known for his commentary on league personnel decisions.

Daniel Jones

Indianapolis Colts quarterback who previously played for the New York Giants and signed a two-year, up to $100 million contract with Indianapolis in March 2026.

Kyler Murray

Minnesota Vikings quarterback and former Arizona Cardinals first-round draft pick who is dealing with a hamstring injury this season.

Adam Schefter

ESPN NFL insider and reporter widely recognized for breaking league news and player injury updates.

The details

Tannenbaum made the claim on ESPN's "Get Up," arguing Jones would give Minnesota a chance at the division. Murray reported hamstring tightness during the Vikings' 19-15 loss at Detroit, completing 17 of 29 attempts for 210 yards with two touchdowns and an interception.

March 2026: Jones signed a two-year contract to stay in Indianapolis.
Sunday before November 5, 2026: Vikings lost 19-15 at Detroit, and Murray reported hamstring tightness.
Thursday before November 5, 2026: ESPN's Adam Schefter reported Murray's hamstring injury and uncertain status.
November 5, 2026: Tannenbaum made the trade claim on ESPN's "Get Up."

Season Trajectory

Minnesota's 6-1 start puts it atop the NFC North, but a 20.0-points-per-game offense ranking 27th leaves its playoff ceiling in question. A quarterback addition like the one Tannenbaum describes would directly target the competitive gap that separates a division leader from a true contender.

Fantasy managers rostering Murray should monitor his hamstring status ahead of the Buffalo game, since his availability is currently in doubt. A Jones trade would reshape the Colts' quarterback depth and the value of both players for the remainder of the season.

The takeaway

Mid-season quarterback questions can reshape a team's entire outlook, so fans should watch both injury reports and trade chatter closely. Minnesota's offensive numbers suggest the Vikings' playoff path depends on fixing the passing game.