The Minnesota Vikings are considering bringing back Kirk Cousins before the 2024 free agency period. However, if Cousins decides to sign with another team, the Vikings are prepared to pursue a more cost-effective veteran quarterback, as reported by NFL Media. One potential candidate the Vikings are looking at is current San Francisco 49ers backup Sam Darnold, according to NFL analyst Tom Pelissero.
Darnold, a former third overall draft pick, has limited playing time as a backup for the 49ers but started 55 games for the New York Jets and Carolina Panthers in previous seasons. The Vikings are exploring various contingency plans for their quarterback room post-Cousins, with the hope that a free agent like Darnold could have a breakout season akin to Baker Mayfield, giving them time to develop a rookie quarterback as well.
Despite Cousins expressing a desire to return for a seventh season as the Vikings’ starting QB, his future with the team remains uncertain due to an Achilles injury that ended his 2023 season prematurely. His contract is set to expire in March, as extension talks between him and the Vikings stalled last year.
In addition to exploring veteran options, the Vikings also hold the 11th overall pick in the upcoming 2024 NFL Draft, where they could potentially target a new quarterback to groom for the future. The team is weighing their options carefully as they plan for the post-Cousins era.
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