Minnesota Vikings Explore Quarterback Options, With a One-Year, $4 million Contract Deal

The Minnesota Vikings are considering contingency plans in case their starting quarterback, Kirk Cousins, departs in free agency. While there is mutual interest in Cousins’ return, his expected high salary demands pose a challenge for the Vikings, who are dealing with a salary-cap crunch. The current backup plan, Jaren Hall, a fifth-round pick from last season, is deemed insufficient, prompting the Vikings to seek an upgrade.

Bleacher Report’s Ryan Fowler suggests that the Vikings could be a good fit for Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield, who is currently on a one-year, $4 million contract. Mayfield, the first overall pick in 2018, has expressed mutual interest in extending his contract with the Buccaneers. However, potential issues may arise as Mayfield enters free agency with increased leverage. Fowler believes the Vikings, with offensive weapons like Justin Jefferson and T.J. Hockenson, could be an attractive destination for Mayfield, especially with the team entering a crucial phase under head coach Kevin O’Connell.

There is speculation about the future of star wide receiver Justin Jefferson, who is in talks for a contract extension. Some suggest that, due to uncertainties at quarterback and the team’s competitiveness, the Vikings might consider trading Jefferson. The team’s ceiling with Cousins has also been questioned, raising the possibility that Mayfield, if acquired, could elevate the team’s performance.

However, outbidding the Buccaneers for Mayfield’s services could be challenging, given Tampa’s significant cap space advantage. Keeping up the standard of play at quarterback is crucial for maintaining Jefferson’s satisfaction and could be a deciding factor for any veteran quarterback considering the Vikings.

The Vikings faced quarterback challenges in the 2023 season when Cousins went down, and backup quarterbacks Hall, Joshua Dobbs, and Nick Mullens struggled to maintain consistency. Fowler’s scenario of Mayfield joining the Vikings also assumes the Buccaneers moving on from Mayfield, adding complexity to the potential deal.

While the return of Cousins with a new developmental quarterback remains a likely scenario, the Vikings are exploring options to secure their quarterback position for the upcoming season.