Minnesota has decisions to make with NFL free agency around the corner and draft coverage in full swing. What will Kwesi and company look to do with a team that just finished 7-10 and has a handful of holes to fill on this roster? Though there are many routes, here are five quarterbacks Minnesota could pursue in the offseason this spring.
Resign Captain Kirk Cousins
The most apparent option for Minnesota regarding who to pursue in the offseason is resigning Captain Kirk. And yes, there are other factors to consider. Can a 36-year-old coming off an Achilles injury be successful? Will Minnesota have the cap space to resign him and remain competitive? Could another team lure the 12-year veteran away in free agency? Early reports have Cousins looking for a 2-year, 45 million-dollar-a-year contract, but will Minnesota get a hometown discount or not? There are many uncertainties, but there are also positives.
Throughout his tenure with the Vikings, Kirk has expressed a desire to remain with the team. Just 1511 yards shy of passing Tommy Kramer on the Vikings’ all-time passing list, Cousins has provided consistent play since his arrival six seasons ago. He’s been an above-average, outstanding quarterback who has efficiently commanded the offence and been a leader on and off the field. Even considering his age, Cousins was on pace for MVP-caliber numbers this year before his injury. With some continuity for the offence on the horizon, who’s to say he can’t replicate that success? Will Minnesota get a hometown discount? Maybe, but even if they don’t, Cousins remains a viable option, especially considering the current quarterback landscape.
However, the decision to re-sign Cousins has its drawbacks. His age and recent injury raise questions about his long-term durability. His contract demands will also significantly impact the team’s salary cap flexibility. The Vikings will need to weigh the cost of retaining Cousins against the potential of acquiring a younger quarterback with a higher ceiling.
Acquire Veteran Russell Wilson
It’s a name that many may have yet to link to Minnesota, but Wilson may be on the move this offseason. After a public benching towards the end of the season, it’s clear Wilson is not part of Sean Payton and the Denver Broncos’ long-term plans. So why Minnesota? The former Super Bowl champion and Walter Payton Man of the Year provides veteran leadership and could come in and play with a swagger to end his career after two tumultuous seasons in Denver. In reality, though Russ isn’t coming off an injury, his price tag is cheaper than Kirk’s is likely to be.
Wilson is different from the player he was during his dominant years in his 20s. However, even in his mid-30s, Russell remains an intriguing prospect. He’s generally good at protecting the football, can extend plays with his mobility, and wouldn’t need to carry the entire offensive load in Minnesota. The Vikings have a solid offensive line and talented weapons, giving Wilson a chance to be consistent and efficient. Making smart plays, utilizing his guns, and creating plays when needed is an offensive game plan that can keep Minnesota competitive in 2024. Will he be perfect? No, but he may be more than serviceable for the Vikings and is healthy for the upcoming season.
Take a Chance on Baker Mayfield’s Upside
A career resurgence in Tampa Bay for the former #1 overall pick has him generating interest from several teams this offseason. Baker has the talent to be a franchise quarterback. Still, his career has been marred by inconsistency due to a lack of coaching stability and subpar supporting casts.
Year one: A terrible Cleveland team.
Year two: Freddie Kitchens as head coach.
Year three: Playoff berth and Wildcard win.
Year four: Nagging injuries.
Year five: Traded to Carolina, then traded again to the Rams.
Year six: Success as Tom Brady’s backup in Tampa Bay.
When you analyze Mayfield’s career trajectory, it’s clear he needs more continuity and has often been surrounded by poor teams. Mayfield thrived this year in Tampa Bay with good weapons, a solid offensive line, and a phenomenal play-caller (now Carolina’s head coach). This situation sounds familiar. Mayfield, when supported, succeeds.
Minnesota could sign the 28-year-old gunslinger to a multi-year deal that wouldn’t break the bank but would signal their commitment to him as their starting quarterback. With Kevin O’Connell at the helm and the offensive playmakers on the roster, the only real challenge for Mayfield is to continue building upon this year’s success. He may be the highest-upside quarterback available but he also carries the most risk.
Pursue Mentor QBs & Draft a Rookie
A bridge quarterback paired with a rookie draft pick is a realistic option for Minnesota. Though there are many names, veterans like Sam Darnold or Jimmy Garoppolo could be cost-effective options for managing the game while a rookie develops. While short-term solutions, they could provide stability as the Vikings groom their future quarterback.
The Minnesota Vikings face a critical decision at quarterback this offseason. Resigning Cousins offers stability but comes with a significant financial commitment. Veterans like Wilson or Garoppolo could provide leadership and experience, while Mayfield represents a high-risk, high-reward gamble. Drafting a rookie offers long-term potential but requires patience. Ultimately, the Vikings’ choice will define the trajectory of their franchise for years to come.