ESPN Unveils Theory on 2022 Vikings QB Upheaval
Dustin Baker
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ESPN’s Bill Barnwell has fixed the Vikings.
At least in theory.
Barnwell chronicled his quarterback-movement scenarios last week, detailing where every eligible passer might land if the NFL shakes things up – which will probably occur. Names like Aaron Rodgers, Russell Wilson, Deshaun Watson, and Matt Ryan could all be on the move this spring.
And Barnwell included quarterback Kirk Cousins in the carousel, too. In his estimation, Cousins will be traded to the Philadelphia Eagles for a 1st-Round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, while Minnesota also sends a 3rd-Rounder to Philadelphia.
Then, Barnwell gets really funky – he theorizes the Vikings signing Teddy Bridgewater to compete with Kellen Mond for the QB1 in 2022.
Plus, this is all with Kellen Moore as the new head coach. Wowzers. Turn and face the strange, David Bowie once sang.
Here’s Barnwell’s rationale on Cousins to Philadelphia:
“By trading Cousins, the Vikings would free up $35 million in much-needed cap space. The Eagles have been spry with Jalen Hurts this season, and without any logical quarterback to go after with all three of their first-round picks in a draft that isn’t expected to have superstar QBs — they could opt to try to surround a very good passer with a talented roster. That formula might not seem terribly enticing, but remember that Philly is only a few years removed from winning a Super Bowl with Nick Foles at quarterback. Cousins would sign a three-year, $105 million extension, and the Eagles would get their man. Philly would send the worst of its three first-round picks in 2022 to the Vikings, who send back Cousins and their third-round pick in the upcoming draft. Minnesota would be left with 2021 third-round pick Kellen Mond as its only option at quarterback, which could lead to a reunion.”
Soon after that, Bridgewater returns home, per Barnwell:
“Now, with Minnesota in need of a veteran, a return to town for the 29-year-old [Bridgewater] would make sense. Kellen Mond would still get a shot at winning the starting job, but Bridgewater would be a competent option to begin the season for new coach Kellen Moore.”
This is a realistic hypothesis if one big domino does not fall – Mike Zimmer is not terminated. This theory by Barnwell has Z-I-M-M-E-R written all over it, allowing the coach to pivot to his defense-always strategy while embracing “just any” quarterback who doesn’t turn the ball over.
If Zimmer is fired, it is unlikely general manager Rick Spielman dips back into the past for a Bridgewater reunion. Instead, he’s likely to retain Cousins if Zimmer is canned, seeking to keep some semblance of continuity for the new theoretical head coach.
It is not guaranteed by any means, but Spielman is unlikely to get rid of Zimmer and Cousins in unison. Conversely, the situation is probably a “one or the other” deal.
But if Zimmer is retained for 2022, trading Cousins to the Eagles – or anywhere – checks out as Zimmer could re-activate his once-vaunted defense with $35 million in “free” non-Cousins money to spend on defenders in free agency. And this would be while grooming Mond, Bridgewater, or unnamed rookie 2002 quarterback for the big job.
You’ll know if Cousins is going anywhere on Black Monday. If Zimmer is nixed, Cousins will likely stay for one or two more years. Should Zimmer survive 2021, Spielman is likely committing to Zimmer instead of Cousins.
When you read the Barnwell article, don’t forget the Kellen Moore as the new Vikings skipper mini-bombshell. It was slid into the article somewhat sneakily.
Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. He hosts a podcast with Bryant McKinnie, which airs every Wednesday with Raun Sawh and Sally from Minneapolis. His Viking fandom dates back to 1996. Listed guilty pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, ‘The Sopranos,’ and The Doors (the band).
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