Aug 11, 2021; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Kurt Benkert (7) throws the ball to tight end Dominique Dafney. Mandatory Credit: Dan Powers-USA TODAY NETWORK.
Former Packers QB Says ‘No Thanks’ to Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings have two quarterbacks on the current roster and practice squad, Kirk Cousins and Nick Mullens. Earlier this week, the Arizona Cardinals plucked QB3 David Blough from Minnesota’s practice squad after Kyler Murray was lost for the remainder of the season.
So, the Vikings are apparently in the market for Blough’s replacement. But it won’t be Kurt Benkert, a former backup quarterback for the rival Green Bay Packers.
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Packer-themed podcaster Tom Gossi tweeted on Thursday, “Kurt Benkert turned down the Minnesota Vikings for a tryout.”
Benkert, 27, has been a part of three organizations since joining the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2018. The Atlanta Falcons, Packers, and San Francisco 49ers have employed Benkert in the last four years. He played for the Packers in 2021 and was actually with the team until June of 2022. Thereafter, he became a 49er in October and stayed with the franchise for about a month.
The Virginia alumnus is currently a free agent.
Benkert has never attempted an NFL pass and could’ve been a practice squad member if he picked up the Vikings phone call. The aforementioned Cousins rarely misses games, Mullens is the next man up if that ever happens, and Minnesota merely needs a “just in case” body at QB3. But it evidently won’t be Benkert, who prefers the free-agent market.
The Vikings employ two other former Packers in 2022, EDGE rusher Za’Darius Smith and cornerback Chandon Sullivan. Minnesota plays Green Bay for the second time this season in two weeks — on New Year’s Day.
The Packers are about one game away from mathematical playoff elimination, with a 5-8 record through Week 14.
Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. Subscribe to his daily YouTube Channel, VikesNow. He hosts a podcast with Bryant McKinnie, which airs every Wednesday with Raun Sawh and Sal Spice. His Viking fandom dates back to 1996. Listed guilty pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, ‘The Sopranos,’ and The Doors (the band).