Minnesota Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah found himself inundated with inquiries following Kirk Cousins’ season-ending injury, making his phone the hottest in Minnesota. Adofo-Mensah acknowledged the immense interest in the Vikings’ quarterback situation, with many players expressing a desire to join the team due to their affinity for Minnesota, the coaching staff, and the offensive system. While they explored numerous options, the Vikings remained steadfast in their pursuit of a specific goal.
One intriguing option they seriously contemplated was revisiting trade talks for Trey Lance, as reported by The Athletic’s Dianna Russini. This interest in Lance dates back to last March when potential trade discussions with the San Francisco 49ers first emerged during the NFL combine. Lance, who was traded to the Dallas Cowboys for a fourth-round pick in August, is in the penultimate year of his $34 million rookie contract, with the possibility of extending his fifth-year option by May 1. This could potentially put him back on the trade radar in March, offering a two-year trial run for interested teams.
With the trade deadline approaching on October 31, Adofo-Mensah faced the task of making a decision that would both sustain the Vikings’ recent resurgence, pulling them back to a .500 record after an 0-3 start, and ensure their long-term stability. Ultimately, the Vikings acquired veteran Josh Dobbs from the Arizona Cardinals for only a sixth-round pick, emphasizing their commitment to minimizing any negative impact beyond the 2023 season.
This cautious approach beyond 2023 aims to maintain flexibility in the quarterback position for 2024. While Cousins’ future remains uncertain, conversations with sources suggest that Minnesota intends to explore the possibility of bringing him back, an idea supported by many within the organization and the locker room. Adofo-Mensah expressed his desire to have Cousins return, but he emphasized that the decision would hinge on negotiations and the compatibility of Cousins’ next contract with the team’s objectives.
After a successful 4-1 run in October, the Vikings (4-4) currently hold the 20th overall pick in the 2024 draft. Cousins played a central role in their October success, and his absence due to injury could impact their playoff aspirations. However, their relatively easy schedule, except for two games against the Detroit Lions, gives them some hope. Still, with over 10 quarterback-needy teams ahead of them in the draft order, it might be challenging for the Vikings to secure a top-tier quarterback prospect without trading up.
Leave a Reply