Addressing the 2018 Vikings Quarterback Room

Free Agency

Kirk Cousins

Throughout the season, Cousins’ name has been linked to the Vikings as a possibility. However, with the number of quarterbacks that were already in Minnesota, many wondered where Cousins would rank in terms of the other already existing players. Cousins is expected to get a massive payday. Reports are that he probably gets more than Matthew Stafford’s $27 million deal. Cousins has shown stability to the Redskins team, but $27 million per year is a steep price. With the number of their own players that the Vikings need to re-sign the next two offseasons, it is hard to imagine ownership spending that kind of money.

Alex Smith

Smith is an interesting name. Half of NFL fans still think he is a game manager and a below average quarterback. However, this season, Smith showed the ability to make plays throwing the ball down the field. He led one of the more explosive offenses in Kansas City, but the lack of playoff success might have Smith’s days numbered there. Combine that with the excitement of Patrick Mahomes and it is likely that Smith walks.

The way Smith played makes me think some team is going to give him close to $20 million this offseason. I really do think Smith could be somebody that could fits the Vikings system very well. But again, I do not see them getting into a bidding war. Smith is more more likely than Cousins to me, but the Vikings have rarely been wont to sign big free agent quarterbacks (with one notable exception).

2018 NFL Draft

Personally, I think going into the 2018 NFL Draft looking for a quarterback would be the last option. With the experienced team they have, they are clearly in win-now mode. A team’s window does not last long in the NFL, so when you have a winning roster, you need to take advantage of it. As I do not envision the Vikings drafting a quarterback in the first round of the draft, here are some names just to cover all grounds here. (Note: Josh Rosen and Sam Darnold are long gone before the Vikings pick.)  

Baker Mayfield

The Heisman winner will be an interesting player to watch. After a historic season, Mayfield will have to answer questions about if he is tall enough to play in the NFL. He has an above average arm and very good mobility, making him a realistic fit in the Vikings offense. The Vikings like to have a quarterback that can move in the pocket, as shown by both Keenum and Bridgewater. At pick 30, there is a very good chance Mayfield may already be off the board and on a plane somewhere else.

Josh Allen

Allen might be the most polarizing of all the quarterbacks in round one contention. He has all the physical traits, and might have the strongest arm for a quarterback we have seen in the past ten years. However, Allen’s footwork is a mess and he struggled mightily against good competition. But, all it takes is a coordinator to think he can fix Allen’s mechanics and make him into a top-flight quarterback. In terms of what the Vikings like to do with quarterbacks, Allen does not strike me as guy high on their radar.

In Summary 

After going through seemingly all the possibilities for the Vikings quarterback next season, Keenum/Bridgewater with Sloter as the backup seem most likely. If I had to choose between Keenum and Bridgewater right now, I predict that Keenum gets a huge payday and cashes in with another team. He will be more expensive than what the team wants to pay, so they will strike a deal with Bridgewater. However, whatever move the Vikings make will come with questions. If it is Bridgewater, is his frame built to last for an NFL career? If it is Keenum, was he a one-hit wonder? Or will he prove he deserves this massive payday with a new offensive coordinator? If it is Bradford, can he just simply stay healthy and remain on the field? This will be a storyline to follow this offseason.

– Anthony Talanca writes for Full Press Coverage and covers the Vikings. Follow him @atalanca and follow @FPC_Vikings.

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