Minnesota Vikings got some clarity on their quarterback situation Tuesday morning
The quarterback situation in Minnesota continues to be the top of the wish list.
The Minnesota Vikings are going to add a quarterback this offseason to compete with J.J. McCarthy, something head coach Kevin O’Connell made clear after the season.
“I absolutely want a competitive situation,” said O’Connell. “Obviously, J.J. [McCarthy] is going to be a major, major emphasis for our staff and our team and me personally, and we’ll figure out what that looks like as we navigate the early part of this offseason when it comes to managing the roster.
“I think ultimately, we’ve got to decide how to not only continue J.J.’s progression, allow him to continue to ascend as a young player, 22-years-old with 10 starts, but at the same time, like I said, I think the competition in that room will only enhance our entire team.”
Vikings know when Kirk Cousins will become a free agent
One of the main targets for the Vikings this offseason at quarterback is likely to be Kirk Cousins. He spent six seasons with the Vikings before signing a contract with the Atlanta Falcons ahead of the 2024 season. After restructuring his contract earlier in the offseason, the Falcons were likely going to release him.
After speaking to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine, new general manager Ian Cunningham revealed that they are planning to release him on the first day of the league year, which will come after the legal tampering period.
Choosing to move on from Cousins was a likely move for the Falcons after that restructure. He will have $67.9 million fully guaranteed on the third day of the league year, March 13. Cousins staying in Atlanta would make sense from a football standpoint with Michael Penix Jr. coming off of a torn ACL, but it’s unlikely to happen with the financial situation.
Cousins isn’t the same player that he was when he last played for the Vikings. He was emerging as an MVP candidate in 2023 before tearing his Achilles tendon. That prompted the Vikings to move on and sign Sam Darnold. Bringing him back would be a tough sell for many fans due to the contention among the fanbase while he was here. However, he would bring a baseline of competency at the quarterback position, which O’Connell is desperate to have back.
It will be intriguing to see Cousins not hit the open market right away, as it could prompt other teams to prioritize other quarterbacks, and it could hinder him from signing quickly.
Minnesota Vikings News
Justin Jefferson’s success in one key area further proves Kevin O’Connell needs to level up his offense
The screen game has always been an issue for the Vikings, but Justin Jefferson elevated it this season.
Minnesota Vikings News
Infamous quote from Vikings HC Kevin O’Connell on J.J. McCarthy laid the groundwork for a change at quarterback
The end of the organizations fail young quarterbacks quote set the table for Kevin O’Connell to potentially move on from J.J. McCarthy.
