Brakes May Again Be Pumped on Kellen Mond
In 2021, rookie quarterback Kellen Mond hadn’t quite developed enough in Year One to usurp the QB2 job for the Minnesota Vikings. The Texas A&M alumnus was drafted out of the 3rd round of the 2021 NFL Draft, a spot from which a quarterback should reasonably be expected to snag at least a QB2 job.
But no such luck for Mond as the coaching staff, under Mike Zimmer, was infamously not sold on Mond’s ability to play QB2. So, the franchise nominated Sean Mannion as the backup quarterback to Kirk Cousins.
Mannion saw action in Week 17, — the Cousins COVID absence — leading a Vikings team that was crushed by the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Because Mannion was briefly hurt in that contest, Mond hopped in for a drive, nearly throwing an interception.
For most onlookers of the Vikings, Mannion is not a sensible QB2 — but the Vikings continue to bring him back year after year.
Well, when the new leadership regime of Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and Kevin O’Connell took over after Zimmer’s termination, most believed everything would feel brand new.
On QB2 preference, things may be very much the same.
While the offseason is still young — the draft, training camp, and preseason are still afoot — this is not a good omen for the second-year Mond. Despite a rocky one drive at the Packers last year, Mond should contend for the backup quarterback job with the Vikings. And he still might.
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However, interest in Mannion — who is flat-out underwhelming — insinuates the new coaching staff isn’t sold on Mond either. Zimmer, who stated he had “seen enough” of Mond in practice down the stretch of the 2021 regular season, was criticized for not giving Mond a fair shake.
Re-signing Mannion in any capacity this offseason would vindicate Zimmer. Because the new general manager and head coach are young and hip, most believed a young-and-hip passer like Mond would be their cup of tea. Spitballing Mannion for 2022 at QB2 is a continuation of the Zimmerian way — with a dash of Rick Spielman.
Mond could very well become the QB2 in 2022 — and maybe even the Vikings eventual QB1 — yet any news that shoves him to the back of the pack is confirmation of the man’s raw skillset.
Maybe Zimmer wasn’t crazy or bitter after all.
Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. His YouTube Channel, VikesNow, debuts in March 2022. 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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