Minnesota Viking’s Quarterback Problems
Minnesota finished the season with a lot of questions about who their quarterback would be heading into the 2024 Season. After Kirk Cousin’s terrible Achilles tear in late October, his future with the team is in question. Amidst that injury, the Vikings brought in Joshua Dobbs, who was off to a hot start that turned cold quickly. Nick Mullens, a veteran backup quarterback, was also tested at the starting position. The real question is who will we see at quarterback in Minnesota at the start of next season?
Photo Credit: Stephen Maturen
Kirk Cousins has been a good quarterback for Minnesota over the years. While he has been good during the regular season, he is 1-4 in the Playoffs. Along with that, he is aging and becoming expensive, and it might be time to move away from him. With an unfortunate injury to end his season, coming off an Achilles tear is very difficult. Cousins is now 35 years old and with an injury like that, it would be tough to give him a big contract.
Joshua Dobbs was a mid-season addition to the Minnesota Vikings, as he replaced Kirk Cousins. Dobbs was great in the beginning and looked like a great starter for the Vikings. He was given a game ball after an electric performance in his first game with the team. He is a dual-threat quarterback who can make quick throws and is even quicker on his feet. With that great start, came an awful finish. Dobbs was pulled to the bench toward the end of the season due to the four interceptions he threw against the Chicago Bears. While he played well at the start of his time with Minnesota, teams were learning how to slow him down and Dobbs was not making the right adjustments.
Photo Credit: Brad Rempel, USA Today
Kirk Cousins and Josh Dobbs don’t seem to be in the cards for Minnesota this coming season, but who does? The Broncos are looking to get rid of Russel Wilson. Minnesota needs someone who can be a leader and be a consistent winner. Especially in a division like the NFC North. The Chicago Bears could move from Justin Fields and draft Caleb Williams. The Lions and Packers both have their franchise quarterbacks Jared Goff and Jordan Love. Minnesota needs to make a move that will last for a few seasons. Taking Russel Wilson wouldn’t be a rare move for Minnesota, as they are known to take quarterbacks late in their careers. While it has the potential to work for both Russell and Minnesota, a younger quarterback might be the way to go.
Photo Credit: Matthew Stockman
The upcoming 2024 NFL Draft is filled with quarterback talent. Minnesota could reset at the position and not have to pay a ton for an older quarterback. Drafting someone like Michael Penix Jr. or Bo Nix could turn into a great pick. Opposed to bringing someone older and paying them, Minnesota could bring in a veteran to show a new and young quarterback the ropes. Having a young player, who is quick and has arm strength, seems like it has a lot of potential to be great with Justin Jefferson, who will be healthy and ready to go next season. Specifically, with this draft class being filled with arm talent, moving off of Cousins, and drafting a young quarterback.
Photo Credit: Stacy Revere
