Trust the Guys in Charge, Says Former Vikings QB

from Vikings End
Kwesi Adofo-Mensah & Kevin O’Connell Talk Free Agent Moves, Future at Quarterback & 2023 NFL Draft in Eagan, Minnesota, on April 13th, 2023. Adofo-Mensah and O'Connell joined the organization in January and February 2022, respectively.

Amid a tumultuous offseason with some heartbreaking departures of longtime stars of the organization, some crucial decisions for the franchise’s future have to be made in the next few weeks and months.

Minnesota is looking for a new franchise quarterback after deciding to let Kirk Cousins play out the final year of his contract for the first time in his Vikings tenure. General manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and head coach Kevin O’Connell make the decisions. The two habitually preach their collaborative relationship.

Trust the Guys in Charge, Says Former Vikings QB

O’Connell and Adofo-Mensah were rookies in their respective jobs, so some growing pains were expected, similar to rookie players. Now in their second season, the expectations have risen.

Trust the Guys in Charge, Says Former Vikings QB
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A former Vikings quarterback, Tommy Kramer, thinks the team is in good hands. Kramer is second in franchise history in passing touchdowns and yards, only trailing Fran Tarkenton, and played for the purple team from 1977-1989.

On his Twitter page, Kramer talked about his trust in the Vikings’ decision-makers.

Cousins, Jackson, Lance, trading up to get a top QB? Two years ago, Coach O’Connell and Coach Phillips helped LA win a Super Bowl. Along with Kwesi, they are going to bring good things to the Vikings and the right QB, no matter who it is.
We all need to trust these guys and enjoy the season.

Tommy Kramer

Speculations about acquiring a new passer are ongoing, especially from people who aren’t very fond of Kirk Cousins.

There are a few other QBs available. Lamar Jackson, the MVP of the 2019 season, requested a trade from the Baltimore Ravens. The main concerns are his demand for a huge contract after missing the final stretch of back-to-back campaigns. In addition, the Vikings would have to rebuild their offense after transitioning from pocket passer Cousins to running threat Jackson. He would also cost a couple of first-rounders.

Minnesota Fans Are
Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports.

Trey Lance, a former third overall pick, hasn’t played much in his two-year NFL career and has barely played in the last three seasons of his career, including college. After only two years, the San Francisco 49ers might be willing to move on from their once-pricey draft selection. He cost them three first-round picks because Brock Purdy has done enough to be the frontrunner for the starting gig. Lance might be worth a flyer but is far from a sure thing like Jackson.

The most popular scenario is that of drafting the new franchise quarterback. Of course, the draft is a lottery, and the new guy is not a sure thing either. However, every new regime usually drafts their guy, and Kramer is in favor of trusting Adofo-Mensah and O’Connell to identify that franchise QB.

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Florida Gators quarterback Anthony Richardson (15) throws the ball during the first half against the Georgia Bulldogs at TIAA Bank Field in Jacksonville, FL, on Saturday, October 29, 2022. © Matt Pendleton / USA TODAY NETWORK.

The draft position for the Vikings is not ideal. Minnesota owns the 23rd overall pick, which is probably too late for one of the top QBs in the draft class. However, if the two leaders and Kramer also mentioned offensive coordinator Wes Phillips, identify their target, they should trade up to get that player. Nobody will ever bring up the trade compensation if they hit on that pick.

No matter the future of the QB position, the new Vikinsg regime has won 13 games in their first season by simply changing the culture. They now deserve a couple of years without any pressure to change the roster to their ideas.


Janik Eckardt is a football fan who likes numbers and stats. The Vikings became his favorite team despite their quarterback at the time, Christian Ponder. He is a walking soccer encyclopedia, loves watching sitcoms, and Classic rock is his music genre of choice. Follow him on Twitter if you like the Vikings: @JanikEckardt

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