Fun Alternative for Vikings QB2 Emerges
Most Minnesota Vikings-themed discussions at quarterback this offseason have revolved around three men: J.J. McCarthy, Sam Darnold, and Daniel Jones.
Fun Alternative for Vikings QB2 Emerges
Folks will learn Sam Darnold’s free-agent fate next week, and his status will determine Minnesota’s QB1 plan for 2025, as most expect the franchise to nominate McCarthy, the youngster, as QB1.
Thereafter, sights will turn to QB2 after the Vikings have learned the value of upper-echelon backup passers in the last two seasons when Kirk Cousins tore his Achilles in 2023 and McCarthy injured his meniscus in the summer of 2024.
Well, another option became available on Wednesday — veteran signal-caller Gardner Minshew.
NFL Network‘s Tom Pelissero tweeted, “The Raiders informed QB Gardner Minshew they’ll release him when the new league year begins next Wednesday, per sources. Minshew has 46 career starts and is still only 28 years old. An experienced option available.”
Of course, Minshew to the purple team can be considered a long shot as of early March, mainly because of the aforementioned three quarterbacks twisting in Minnesota’s orbit. But, for example, if Darnold took Minshew’s job in free agency with the Raiders, Jones joined the highest bidder on the open market, and the Vikings elevated McCarthy to QB1, well, general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah would need a seasoned QB2.
That could be Minshew if Nick Mullens left the franchise or the Vikings don’t trust current QB3 Brett Rypien for the assignment.
Minshew entered the NFL as a 6th-Rounder from the 2019 NFL Draft with the Jacksonville Jaguars and immediately captivated onlookers with a sweet rookie season, showcasing 21 passing touchdowns to just 6 picks. He later become a journeyman “bridge quarterback” and hasn’t quite replicated his rookie season success.
Here’s Minshew’s NFL resume through six seasons:
- Jacksonville Jaguars (2019–2020)
- Philadelphia Eagles (2021–2022)
- Indianapolis Colts (2023)
- Las Vegas Raiders (2024)
Nicknamed the “Jock Strap King,” Minshew is known for his electric and bombastic persona. He can also reasonably be classified around the 35th-best quarterback in the business at any given time, making him one of the sports’ top QB2 options.
If Minshew does not activate Minnesota’s radar while Darnold and Jones depart, other free-agent passers will be available on the open market next week:
- Justin Fields
- Joe Flacco
- Jimmy Garoppolo
- Zach Wilson
- Marcus Mariota
- Drew Lock
- Mac Jones
- Carson Wentz
- Mason Rudolph
- Jameis Winston
- Jacoby Brissett
- Jarrett Stidham
- Cooper Rush
- Trey Lance
Minshew will turn 29 this spring.
Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. Subscribe to his daily YouTube Channel, VikesNow. The show features guests, analysis, and opinion on all things related to the purple team, with 4-7 episodes per week. His Vikings obsession dates back to 1996. Listed guilty pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, ‘The Sopranos,’ Basset Hounds, and The Doors (the band). He follows the NBA as closely as the NFL.
All statistics provided by Pro Football Reference / Stathead; all contractual information provided by OverTheCap.com.
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