The Minnesota Vikings are now in search of a new quarterback after parting ways with three players at the start of the new NFL season.

J.J. McCarthy has emerged as the most probable candidate to start in Week 1 following the departures of Sam Darnold, Daniel Jones, and Nick Mullens to the Seattle Seahawks, Indianapolis Colts, and Jacksonville Jaguars, respectively. However, the 22-year-old McCarthy requires an experienced backup after missing his rookie season due to injury, with Brett Rypien being the only other quarterback currently under contract.

Several options remain in free agency, and according to Darren Wolfson of KSTP, who spoke on “SKOR North” on March 11, some within the Vikings organization have a strong preference for one particular player.

“There are still individuals in this front office who have been admirers of Marcus Mariota for years,” Wolfson stated.