Last week, the news hit the football streets that Kirk Cousins was OUT as quarterback for the Minnesota Vikings. The Vikings were making quarterback moves. Cousins landed a whopping $180 million deal with $100 million guaranteed with the Atlanta Falcons. Therefore, he will now be joining an offense that includes the likes of running back Bijan Robinson, receiver Drake London, and thus far under-utilized tight end Kyle Pitts.
BRIDGE QB TIME
Shortly after the announce of Cousins’ exit, the Vikings made a quarterback move signing Sam Darnold to a one-year $10 million deal. Darnold has previously played with the 49ers, Panthers, and Jets. This is now Darnold’s fourth team at only age 27 which unfortunately doesn’t bode well for him having a permanent starter role as NFL quarterback. Because of this, Vikings fans are left wondering if this move for Darnold suggests he will be a bridge QB as the Vikings set their eyes toward the 2024 NFL draft.
Photo Credit: Minnesota Vikings
TRADE TALKS
Darnold as a possible bridge QB was further cemented when the Vikings made a trade with the Houston Texans this past Friday. Minnesota Vikings acquired the 23rd and 232nd overall picks in the 2024 NFL Draft and subsequently traded the 42nd and 188th overall picks to the Texans. As a result, Minnesota now has two first round picks: 11th and 23rd. Will the Vikings continue to make moves in their search for their next franchise quarterback?
SETTING THEIR SIGHTS
This incoming 2024 NFL draft class includes a strong selection of quarterbacks. The #1 pick is undoubtedly USC’s Caleb Williams. Williams tops a group of six quarterbacks who are garnering a lot of attention. This group includes Drake Maye (North Carolina), Jayden Daniels (LSU), J.J. McCarthy (Michigan), Bo Nix (Oregon), and Michael Penix (Washington). These quarterbacks are all primed to get drafted early. Is one of these the next franchise quarterback for the Minnesota Vikings? And exactly which one? McCarthy? Will General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and Coach Kevin O’Connell trade up to secure an even higher than pick 11?
This next month leading up to the Draft will be telling. All that remains certain is the Minnesota Vikings are making quarterback moves.
