Over the weekend, some interesting news leaked out of Minnesota: Kirk Cousins reportedly offered to take a discount for a possible new extension, but on one condition- the team had to commit to him through the 2025 season. The Vikings turned this down, reportedly because they are ready to turn the page to a new, younger quarterback.
While we know Cousins is the team’s present at quarterback, it seems like 2023 will be his final year with the team. This begs the question: what is the team’s future at the position?
Some have speculated that the team could possibly make a run at former NFL MVP Lamar Jackson, who recently requested a trade from the Baltimore Ravens. This possible scenario would not work out for a couple of reasons. First off, Jackson is a run-first quarterback that would be entering Kevin O’Connell’s pass-first offense. Secondly, speaking of passing, Jackson’s completion percentage has steadily declined over the past few seasons. After that 2019 MVP season that saw him complete 66 percent of his throws, he only completed a little over 62 percent of his throws in 2022. In addition to a decline in completion percentage, Jackson’s passing yard totals and passing touchdown totals have also gone down. Lastly, Jackson has missed multiple games due to both COVID various nagging injuries over the past three seasons. While this possibility is no doubt an exciting one, it is unreasonable to say the least. Oh, and Jackson also wants a fully guaranteed contract- which the Vikings can’t afford due to their cap situation and having to give upcoming extensions to stars such as Justin Jefferson, T.J. Hockenson, and Christian Darrisaw.
Another possibility for the team is using their 23rd overall pick on Tennessee quarterback Hendon Hooker. NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah speculated on this possibility when he had the Vikings taking Hooker in a recent mock draft of his, citing that the team had done “homework” on this year’s quarterback class. Hooker slowly came into his own at Tennessee and was on track to be a top pick in this year’s draft, until a torn ACL ended his season. In addition, age is also a factor to consider here, as Hooker will be 25 years old at the start of the season and is actually younger than fourth-year Chargers sensation Justin Herbert.
Is it possible the Vikings use their limited draft capital to trade up for a quarterback? It’s unlikely, but it could happen. Apparently, O’Connell is intrigued by the possibility of drafting Kentucky starter Will Levis, who is a projected top-ten selection in a draft where multiple teams in that position need quarterbacks. The Vikings will likely have to trade up to draft someone such as Levis, which the team cannot afford to do right now due to their aforementioned lack of draft capital and current roster situation.
Finally, the team could draft a quarterback in 2024. While unlikely to land the likes of Caleb Williams or Drake Maye, that draft also has prospects such as Shedeur Sanders, Jayden Daniels, and Quinn Ewers. Given that Cousins can usually win the team six to nine games a year, one of the last three prospects may be more reasonable options for the team. In my opinion, this is the most likely outcome. With more draft capital and incoming cap space for the team in the 2024 offseason, this option will allow the team to get younger at the position while also handing out hefty extensions to their current young stars. Along the way, the team can also afford to sign more marquee free agents and build a better roster to surround their new quarterback.
What do you think is the Vikings’ future at the quarterback position post-Kirk Cousins? What will the team do to address the position in the future? Comment your thoughts below and check out some of our other articles.
