We won’t know the full fallout of Kirk Cousins joining the Atlanta Falcons until he’s actually started throwing passes in Atlanta’s uniform. (However, I’d expect them to be VERY good.)
For now, we can understand that his addition kind of screws the Chicago Bears’ trade market for Justin Fields and will force the Minnesota Vikings to start making an earnest plan in life without their ex-veteran starter. The latter of which will be particularly challenging, as Minnesota isn’t exactly in a prime position to rip everything from the studs and rebuild. This is one of the NFL teams sitting in a middle ground, potentially more likely closer to relevance rather than having the bottom come out from under it.
In the wake of Cousins’ departure, let’s take a look at some feasible quarterback options for Minnesota. Warning: Some are inspired. Some are, well … it’s only for a year!
1
Gardner Minshew
Bob Scheer-USA TODAY Sports
Minshew filled in more than admirably for an injured Anthony Richardson last season, showing he has a long-term place in the league. That said, he’s probably not more than a stopgap starter/high-end backup quarterback. If the Vikings wanted to sit back for a season and let Minshew temporarily run the show, the option is certainly available to them.
2
J.J. McCarthy
AP Photo/Paul Sancya
The former University of Michigan product will likely be at least the fourth quarterback off the board in April’s NFL draft. That puts the Vikings, who own the No. 11 overall selection, in a potentially very comfortable place for a McCarthy trade-up. Heck, they might just be able to stand pat and take him in the current draft slot if need be. At the very least, the idea of McCarthy regularly unleashing his cannon arm to Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison downfield is a tantalizing prospect.
3
Ryan Tannehill
Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY Sports
Tannehill is way past his prime at the age of 36 and probably doesn’t have much to offer any more as a locked-in starter. That said, getting a somewhat accomplished veteran like him in the Vikings’ building and letting him hold the fort down while someone else develops is fully in line with the Minshew plan. There are much worse ideas in an already scarce quarterback market.
4
Justin Fields
Jamie Sabau-USA TODAY Sports
I’m not sure how inclined the Chicago Bears would be to make a trade with an NFC North division rival. But if the Bears are comfortable with the idea of potentially seeing Fields twice a year for a little while, then the Vikings should absolutely make a phone call at the minimum. (Note: They would likely pay a division rival tax in a trade.) Minnesota has a promising offensive nucleus already, and I would trust Kevin O’Connell to coach up Fields and help him get closer to his ceiling.
