Why the Vikings Should Draft a QB in April
The Minnesota Vikings employ a 34-year-old quarterback whose contractual status is uncertain, with 10 days to go before free agency.
That man is Kirk Cousins, and he joined the Vikings five years ago as a free agent from the Washington Commanders. On his watch, Cousins has delivered the NFL’s fourth-most touchdown passes since 2018, the NFL’s 12th-best record, and two playoff berths in five years — so, a mixed bag.
Why the Vikings Should Draft a QB in April
Here’s why the Vikings should draft a quarterback in April’s draft.
The Chiefs Way
Kirk Cousins is a more prolific and productive quarterback than Alex Smith ever was, rest assured, but the analogy clicks nevertheless.
The Vikings have a somewhat rare opportunity to enjoy the best of both worlds — like the Chiefs in 2017. Kansas City knew it had a competent quarterback in 2017 but wasn’t getting over the hump to February football. So, it shot for the stars, drafted “its guy,” and rolled the dice. His name is Patrick Mahomes.
Minnesota lives in a parallel universe. Cousins is expensive and guaranteed to toss 4,000+ passing yards and 30+ touchdowns like the sun rises. That output doesn’t grow on trees. Still, to get the team over the top, general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah can draft “the next guy” and let him marinate for a year or two.
It goes without saying that the Green Bay Packers do this, too — and it works.
Therefore, the Vikings organic 23rd spot in the draft isn’t ideal, but it could take a stab at a quarterback if one unceremoniously falls in the draft, select a post-1st-Rounder, or trade up for Cousins’ successor.
There are options to emulate the Chiefsian plan.
Cousins’ Contract Uncertainty
Listen, Vikings fans don’t know if Cousins is about to embark on his final voyage with the franchise. Next September through January could be his swan song in purple.
If the Vikings indeed let the contract play out, Cousins will hit 2024 free agency — much like Derek Carr at the moment with his world tour — and that’ll be that.
With no selection of a rookie quarterback in the 2023 NFL Draft, the Vikings QB room would be nude. There would be no heir apparent waiting on the depth chart. Is that smart? No.
Should Minnesota tell Kirk, “this 2023 season is it, pal,” they absolutely must draft a quarterback in April, even if it’s a mid-rounder like Hendon Hooker, Jaren Hall, Clayton Tune, or Tanner McKee.
You don’t want to be QB-nude at this time next year if Cousins walks.
The QB1 Is Getting Old
Cousins could arrive Week 1 of the Vikings 2023 campaign and absolutely bedazzle fans at age 35 with a second year in Kevin O’Connell’s offense. It’s a realistic possibility.
But what if he doesn’t?
Gobs of quarterbacks throughout NFL history decline at or around age 35. The general population prefers to point at Aaron Rodgers or Tom Brady and say, “See, those guys are playing into their late-30s and early-to-mid-40s.” Yet, those future Hall of Famers are the exception to the rule. There’s a reason LeBron James still dominates the NBA at age 38 — he’s rare like Rodgers and Brady.
Cousins could become a shell of his former self at any time. The Vikings need a contingency plan, and drafting a Hooker (stop smirking), Hall, Tune, or McKee checks the box.
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 Vikings obsession dates back to 1996. Listed guilty pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, ‘The Sopranos,’ and The Doors (the band).
All statistics provided by Pro Football Reference / Stathead; all contractual information provided by OverTheCap.com.
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