Who Are the Vikings Going to Get for QB?
As the 2023 NFL season approaches, the Minnesota Vikings find themselves in a precarious position at the quarterback position. Kirk Cousins, who has been the team’s starter since 2018, is entering the final year of his contract and is set to count for $36 million against the salary cap. The Vikings have a decision to make: either extend Cousins’ contract, trade him, or release him and pursue other options.
If the Vikings decide to move on from Cousins, they will have several options to consider. They could trade up in the draft to select one of the top quarterback prospects, such as Bryce Young or C.J. Stroud. They could also sign a veteran free agent, such as Jimmy Garoppolo or Derek Carr. Or, they could promote Kellen Mond, who was drafted by the Vikings in the third round of the 2021 NFL Draft, to the starting role.
Free Agency Options
If the Vikings decide to pursue a veteran free agent quarterback, they will have several options to consider. Jimmy Garoppolo is a proven winner who has led the San Francisco 49ers to two NFC Championship Games. Derek Carr is a durable quarterback who has started every game for the Las Vegas Raiders since 2014. Teddy Bridgewater is a former Vikings quarterback who is now with the Miami Dolphins. He is a solid game manager who can make all the throws.
Other free agent quarterbacks who could be available include Jacoby Brissett, Gardner Minshew, and Andy Dalton. These quarterbacks are all capable of starting in the NFL, but they may not be the long-term answer for the Vikings.
Draft Prospects
If the Vikings decide to draft a quarterback, they will likely have to trade up to select one of the top prospects. Bryce Young and C.J. Stroud are both considered to be generational talents. Anthony Richardson is a physical specimen with a strong arm. Will Levis is a tough and experienced quarterback who led Kentucky to a 10-3 record in 2022.
Other quarterback prospects who could be available in the draft include Tanner McKee, Cade Klubnik, and Shedeur Sanders. These quarterbacks are all talented, but they may not be ready to start right away in the NFL.
Kellen Mond
If the Vikings decide to promote Kellen Mond to the starting role, they will be taking a risk. Mond has only appeared in five NFL games, and he has yet to start a game. However, he has shown some flashes of potential in the preseason and in limited regular season action.
Mond is a mobile quarterback with a strong arm. He is also a good runner. However, he needs to improve his accuracy and decision-making. If he can make those improvements, he could be a viable option for the Vikings at quarterback.
Tips and Expert Advice
Here are a few tips and expert advice for the Vikings as they make their decision at quarterback:
- Consider the long-term. Don’t just make a short-term decision to fill the hole at quarterback. Consider the long-term implications of your decision. If you sign a veteran free agent, you may be blocking the development of a young quarterback. If you draft a quarterback, you may have to be patient while he develops.
- Don’t be afraid to make a bold move. If the Vikings believe that one of the top quarterback prospects is the answer, don’t be afraid to trade up to select him. The Vikings have a good young team, and they could be a contender with the right quarterback.
FAQ
- Who are the Vikings most likely to sign in free agency? Jimmy Garoppolo is the most likely free agent quarterback to sign with the Vikings. He is a proven winner who has led the 49ers to two NFC Championship Games.
- Who are the Vikings most likely to draft? Bryce Young is the most likely quarterback prospect to be drafted by the Vikings. He is considered to be a generational talent.
- Should the Vikings promote Kellen Mond to the starting role? The Vikings should only promote Kellen Mond to the starting role if they are confident that he is ready to be the franchise quarterback. He has only appeared in five NFL games and has yet to start a game.
Conclusion
The Vikings have a big decision to make at the quarterback position. They could extend Kirk Cousins’ contract, trade him, or release him and pursue other options. If they decide to move on from Cousins, they will have several options to consider, including free agency, the draft, and promoting Kellen Mond.
The Vikings should take their time and make the best decision for the long-term. They need to find a quarterback who can lead them to a Super Bowl. Do you think the Vikings will make the right decision at quarterback?
