Former Vikings QB Heads to Jets
If the Minnesota Vikings eventually trade Kirk Cousins to the New York Jets — a swap that probably won’t happen, but people still yearn for it nevertheless — he’ll reunite with a former purple teammate.
Former Vikings QB Heads to Jets
That man is Trevor Siemian, who supported Cousins as a QB2 in 2018, Cousins’ first season in Minnesota and Siemian’s one and only.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter tweeted Tuesday morning, “Jets are planning to add to their QB room: Veteran QB Trevor Siemian is signing with the Jets, pending a physical, per sources.”
The Jets lost Aaron Rodgers four plays into the 2023 season to a torn Achilles, and for a moment, some envisioned Zach Wilson taking over and thriving. But then Wilson took the baton and started playing like Wilson, leading New York and NFL media to speculate what the team could do at quarterback in Rodgers’ stead.
For now, at least as an audition, Siemian could be the next man up if the Jets continue to stockpile losses. New York won its first game when Rodgers was injured, but thereafter has endured losses to the Dallas Cowboys and New England Patriots.
The Jets represent seven NFL franchises in nine seasons for Siemian, who will turn 32 around Christmas. Siemian also played for New York in 2019 while Sam Darnold was emerging.
In 2021, Siemian started four games for the New Orleans Saints as that organization navigated post-Drew Brees life and a season-ending injury to reclamation project Jameis Winston. Last year, Siemian landed with the Chicago Bears as a backup to the up-and-coming Justin Fields, along with Nathan Peterman. But his season was cut short on November 27th in warm-ups when Siemian injured his shoulder. He would’ve experienced playing time against the Vikings in Week 18, but Peterman and Tim Boyle took the reins instead.
Siemian, a journeyman, began his career as “Peyton Manning’s replacement” after the Broncos won the Super Bowl in 2015. Siemian even has ring hardware as Manning and the Broncos toppled the Carolina Panthers in Super Bowl 50. Siemian later departed Colorado, becoming a backup quarterback for the Vikings, Jets, Tennessee Titans, aforementioned Saints + Bears, and Bengals.
With the Vikings, Siemian saw no regular season playing time.
Altogether, Siemian has thrown 42 touchdowns to 28 interceptions in 30 career starts. His teams are 13-17 (.433) on his watch, and he’s averaged 200.8 passing yards per game along the way. Against the Bengals in 2016, Siemian sliced and diced Cincinnati for 312 passing yards and four touchdowns in a Broncos win, 29-17. Denver climbed to a nifty 4-0 start mere months after winning the Super Bowl, and that was really the last time Denver was any good or thought about sniffing the postseason.
The Jets also employ the above-listed Tim Boyle at quarterback.
Six former Vikings now work for the Jets: Tyler Conklin (TE), Dalvin Cook (RB), Jayln Holmes (DT, PS), Ifeadi Odenigbo (DE), Chazz Surratt (LB) — and Siemian.
New Blood on the Way for Vikings
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,’ Basset Hounds, and The Doors (the band).
All statistics provided by Pro Football Reference / Stathead; all contractual information provided by OverTheCap.com.
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