Image credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports
The Minnesota Vikings, needing some help at quarterback after losing 2018 backup Trevor Siemian in free agency, added some depth to the position on Sunday.
According to Mike Garafolo of the NFL Network, the team will sign free agent Sean Mannion, who had visited the team earlier in the week. Details on the contract have not yet been announced.
Courtney Cronin of ESPN tweeted that the deal is expected to be a one-year deal worth roughly the veteran’s minimum with around $90K in bonuses.
Mannion (6-6, 223) was drafted in the third round (89th overall) by the Rams in 2015. The 26 year-old played sparingly in four seasons with the Rams, making only one start. Altogether he compiled 59 passing snaps, completing 33-of-53 passes (62.3%) for 258 yards. So far, the soon-to-be 27 year-old has thrown zero touchdowns and one interception in the NFL. He appeared in three games last season, completing 2-of-3 passes for 23 yards.
Garafolo mentioned Mannion will play second fiddle to Kirk Cousins. Based on his report as well as headlines from other resources, it certainly appears as though Mannion will be the assumed backup. What wasn’t noted was that he’ll need to fend off Kyle Sloter, who will also be gunning for the job.
For information on Mannion including his draft report and college highlights check out the article about his Monday meeting with the team.
The Vikings begin their offseason training program on April 15.
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Let's all remember that Sean McVay thought it was perfectly fine to carry Mannion as Jared Goff's QB2 the last two years. Yes, he also let him walk and there wasn't much of market for his services, but the fury and disdain some of the fans have shown to this idea over the last week or so has been just silly. Sloter is not Don Strock or Frank Reich, so he shouldn't be anointed the QB2 just yet. I just hope the two of them have a spirited competition for the job this Spring. Kendall Wright seemed to barely make Treadwell sweat for the WR3 job last year before he was cut.
Makes sense. This is as little as you can pay a pro QB, and given Cousins' salary, that' about all you can afford. It's not really a gamble when you consider Cousins never misses a game though. You just have to hope he never does, considering his backups.