The Vikings are not only set to lose Kirk Cousins; they are starting at a $28.5MM dead money hit stemming from the void years it used to afford the experienced quarterback previously. Minnesota is set to regroup here.
As the Vikings aim to transition from Cousins, a cheaper alternative is on the radar. Minnesota is eyeing a Sam Darnold addition, The Athletic’s Dianna Russini tweets. The recent 49ers backup has other suitors — on a market filled with bridge-type QB options — but it is clear the Vikings are one of them. And they would now present an appealing offer: a chance at a starting role.
The 49ers re-signed Brandon Allen earlier today, completing a rumored move that is likely to send Darnold elsewhere. It is likely the former No. 3 overall pick will make more than the $4.5MM he did as a San Francisco backup.
Darnold joins Jacoby Brissett, Ryan Tannehill, Gardner Minshew and Joe Flacco as bridge-type options or high-end backups. In addition to Minnesota, Denver and Las Vegas make sense for such a passer. The Patriots may be in the market for a QB on this tier as well. Teams who need backups will be pursuing this group, potentially driving up prices. But it is unlikely Darnold will be incredibly expensive based on his history.
Although Darnold has been in the NFL for six seasons and has made 56 starts for the Jets and Panthers, he is still just 26. It is possible a team in need of a low-cost option will add him hoping for a Baker Mayfield-like resurgence. Darnold showed less than Mayfield’s pre-Tampa peak, however. The Vikings did not accomplish what they wanted with Cousins, advancing further with Case Keenum at the controls. Their next QB will have Justin Jefferson, T.J. Hockenson and Jordan Addison to target, which would stand to appeal to many of the available arms.
Might as well just bring Josh Dobbs back if they’re not going to even try this year to have a competent QB while they let whoever they draft develop.
Sam is going to be the vet coming in for a 2 year deal to help guide the Rookie QB they plan to draft.
Bo Nix?
JJ?
Penix?
We will see.
Just taking a wild guess.
Seems likely. JJ or Nix seems like a good fit for the scheme.
JJ seems like the guy they might not even have to move up for
They shouldn’t have to move up for a QB. Just take the best available at #11.
JJ or Nix.
LV may jump them to draft JJ, but even if that happens MIN can take the best available. If you haven’t watched a lot of Nix check him out. He is worth a 1st round selection.
Yikes. Replacing Cousins with a Yugo is no bueno
Yes please…says the rest of the NFC North
I guess they should’ve paid Cousins, I’ll bet Jefferson isn’t too happy…….They have no more real options, maybe someone will come along in a year or two but for now they are not as good as they were, after a year or two struggling, and the coach pays the price, changes will be made and then they’ll make a splash, that’s usually what happens
I like Cousins but not for 4 years 180. I’d rather they sign Minshew than Sam but whomever they bring in is only a place holder til the QB they draft is ready
……but hey, they got Van Ginkel
Damn, Minnesota loses their QB and gets hit with damn 30 mil in dead money. Now they gotta scrape the bottom of the back up QB barrel?! Jefferson can’t be happy. It’s gonna be a rough one in Minny this year.
neither Cousins nor Jefferson has won anything. time for changes
Dead cap money for this season will be JJ’s coin next year. This should have been done last offseason. Best to do a re-build a year too early than a year too late. They could have traded Kirk last year for more and better picks than what they will pick up in free agent compensation next year.
Just trade for Trey Lance already