Ex-Bears QB Floats Terrible Idea for Vikings
Ready for the Minnesota Vikings to draft another quarterback? Inside a draft not known for quarterback talent? That’s the latest and greatest theory from former Chicago Bears and Detroit Lions passer Chase Daniel, who says Minnesota should get into bed with Alabama’s Ty Simpson.
The Simpson idea exists, though the roster board points the Vikings in other directions.
The Vikings would probably have to spend their 18th overall pick on Simpson, and some are not enthused by the idea.
Minnesota Should Pass on the Alabama Quarterback
Simpson is expected to be the second signal-caller off the board after Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza.
Chase Daniel: Vikings Should Consider Ty Simpson
Simpson to Minnesota should be a thing, says Daniel.
He said in a video on Twitter (X) late last week, “The second that Kyler signed with KOC, in my opinion, J.J.’s done there. They’re not giving J.J. a chance to win the QB1 job. It would surprise me, very much so. You don’t sign there to be a backup to J.J. McCarthy. I think J.J. McCarthy’s days with the Vikings are done.”
“I do, and so that’s why I think you have to entertain drafting Ty Simpson. You’re not sure what Kyler’s going to do. It’s a one-year deal, $1.3 million. I just think if Ty can go to KOC, and there’s a lot of things that can happen, but with that offense, come on, man.”
Vikings fans saw Daniels’s video and largely rolled their eyes. He also claimed on the same platform over the weekend that Carson Wentz’s new $3 million contract means McCarthy is on his way out. Generally speaking, Daniel is known as a hot-take merchant on social media.
The Vikings Have Enough QB Options Right Now
Listen, the Vikings have roster needs at the moment — center, cornerback, safety, defensive tackle, and perhaps [a young] running back — but quarterback isn’t one, not after signing Murray and Wentz in the last week and a half.
Murray is in line to start at QB1, barring a surprise upset from McCarthy, who will evidently battle for his old job at training camp and in the preseason. Wentz will likely fill the QB3 job, unless he scores an upset over McCarthy at the QB2 hole.
And the franchise has last year’s undrafted free agent Max Brosmer. The University of Minnesota alumnus struggled tremendously in the regular season after a strong preseason, but he remains in the team’s roster orbit.
Unless Vikings fans and NFL media are severely overvaluing the Vikings’ opinion of Murray and McCarthy, Simpson isn’t needed. There’s no room.
Simpson’s Scouting Report
Simpson is expected to be picked somewhere in Round 1, likely in the middle or back half. He could also fall to Round 2, as this particular draft is weak at the quarterback spot and seems to be saving the main event for 2027.
The Alabama alumnus is comparable to NFL passers like Case Keenum, Jake Browning, Taylor Heinicke, and Mac Jones.
NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein on Simpson:
Former five-star prospect who waited his turn at Alabama and raised his profile in a single season as the Tide’s starter. Simpson is mechanically sound from a footwork and release perspective, providing a favorable foundation to work from. He’s above average as a processor and decision-maker, but timing and anticipation remain works in progress. Arm talent and velocity are average, which limits his success. His repeatable process should help iron out ball placement inconsistencies the more he plays. Simpson is unfazed by shell coverages and is decisive when attacking intermediate zone pockets for chunk gains. He can break contain and move the sticks with his legs, too. Learning to cut bait and avoid sacks needs to be prioritized. One-year starters rarely “boom” so he’ll need a patient staff and a clear developmental roadmap to fill in the missing pieces.
Avoiding the “Kenny Pickett” Mistake
In 2021, the NFL draft showcased a similarly dry QB crop and didn’t even have a Fernando Mendoza at the top of the board. So, needing a quarterback, the Pittsburgh Steelers reached for Kenny Pickett, who didn’t last long on Mike Tomlin’s team and has been passed around the NFL since the start of 2024.
Because this class features Mendoza and then “the rest,” a team might be tempted to draft Simpson early, solely because it needs a young quarterback in the pipeline. Think of it this way: next year, Simpson might be considered a non-1st-Rounder, as that class will have many more options.
Therefore, on top of the Vikings not needing a quarterback right now, they should avoid Simpson and a Steelers-like reach. If the Murray trial flops, Minnesota can explore a quarterback next year from the draft, if needed.
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