The Minnesota Vikings see themselves as Super Bowl contenders if they handle this offseason correctly. But they’ve got a quarterback depth problem that needs fixing.
J.J. McCarthy will take over as the starter after missing his rookie season with a torn ACL. The former national champion is expected to lead an offense loaded with talent.
Running back Aaron Jones and receivers Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison give Kevin O’Connell’s team serious weapons. The Vikings showed their ceiling last season with an impressive 2024 campaign.
The issue? Minnesota doesn’t have a proven veteran backup behind McCarthy.
Sam Howell enters training camp as the presumptive QB2. He put up numbers in Washington before Jayden Daniels took over, but that’s about it for his resume.
Matt Holder of Bleacher Report suggests the Vikings should consider reuniting with former starter Kirk Cousins.
“There aren’t many starting quarterback spots open around the league right now, so Cousins might be stuck in Atlanta until another team suffers an injury in training camp. If that happens, the Falcons should act quickly and just get what they can for the 36-year-old since the team doesn’t plan on playing him this season.”
Cousins makes sense for several reasons. He knows O’Connell’s system inside and out.
The 36-year-old already has chemistry with Jefferson, who many consider the league’s best receiver. Viking fans remember him fondly from his previous stint.
Most importantly, Cousins brings the veteran presence McCarthy will need as he develops. Having that kind of security blanket could be the difference between a playoff run and watching from home if the young quarterback struggles or gets hurt.
The Falcons clearly plan to move forward with their younger options. Minnesota should be ready to pounce if Atlanta decides to move the veteran quarterback.
