Vikings are urged to select an athletic quarterback worth $19 million to replace Sam Darnold.

The Minnesota Vikings are entering an intriguing phase in their franchise history, with a crucial decision looming on their quarterback position. While the team has an established starter in Kirk Cousins, the backup quarterback role has become a topic of increasing concern, particularly after the underwhelming play of Sam Darnold. As the Vikings look to bolster their roster for a Super Bowl push, many believe that selecting a more athletic, dynamic quarterback who could be an immediate contributor and potential successor to Cousins is essential.

One name that has generated considerable buzz is a quarterback worth $19 million. This potential acquisition would not only elevate the Vikings’ depth at the quarterback position but also provide a much-needed injection of athleticism and mobility—a quality that has become increasingly valuable in today’s NFL. The Vikings’ current backup situation, with Sam Darnold unable to deliver consistent results, has left the team vulnerable in the event of an injury to Cousins. An athletic quarterback could provide the team with both an immediate upgrade and a future asset.

In this article, we will explore why the Vikings should target an athletic quarterback who could be worth $19 million, the benefits of this move, and the possible candidates who could fit the bill.

The Need for a Mobile, Dynamic Quarterback

The NFL has evolved significantly over the past decade, with mobility and athleticism becoming increasingly important for quarterbacks. While traditional pocket passers still have a place in the league, the most successful offenses today are often those that can blend strong passing games with quarterbacks who can extend plays with their legs, make throws on the move, and create big plays outside of the pocket. The days of the immobile, purely pocket-passing quarterback are slowly fading away, and teams that don’t adapt could be left behind.

The Vikings, under head coach Kevin O’Connell, have embraced an offense that features creativity and adaptability. The current scheme is designed to give quarterback Kirk Cousins the best opportunity to succeed, leaning on his ability to read defenses and execute from the pocket. However, Cousins’ limitations in terms of mobility and his tendency to be a bit too rigid in the face of pressure have been evident at times, particularly in key playoff games where the Vikings’ offense has struggled to put points on the board.

A backup quarterback with mobility and athleticism would provide O’Connell with additional flexibility in case Cousins were to miss time or struggle with a specific matchup. An athletic quarterback could also bring a different dimension to the offense, potentially unlocking more dynamic plays and keeping defenses off balance. Furthermore, having a young quarterback with these traits could provide the Vikings with a long-term solution if the team decides to eventually transition away from Cousins.

Sam Darnold’s Lack of Impact

The Vikings’ decision to sign Sam Darnold was initially seen as a low-risk, high-reward move. Darnold, a former third overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, came to Minnesota after a somewhat tumultuous career with the New York Jets and Carolina Panthers. Darnold has shown flashes of potential throughout his career, but his inconsistencies and inability to maintain steady play have caused him to bounce around the league. His tenure with the Vikings has done little to inspire confidence, as he struggled to produce when given opportunities in relief of Cousins.

The Vikings need a backup quarterback they can rely on in critical moments, especially considering how important Cousins is to the team’s success. Darnold’s struggles have made it clear that Minnesota needs to upgrade the position. A quarterback with a higher ceiling, both in terms of athleticism and overall talent, could offer much more in the way of security and future upside.

Replacing Darnold with a more athletic and versatile quarterback would not only provide more depth and insurance behind Cousins but could also improve the overall quality of the quarterback room. A dynamic athlete would bring a skill set that complements Cousins’ more traditional style, giving O’Connell a valuable option if things go awry during the season.

The $19 Million Price Tag: A Worthwhile Investment?

The potential price tag of $19 million for an athletic quarterback may seem steep at first glance, but when viewed in context, it represents a sound investment. A quarterback with mobility and playmaking ability is one of the most coveted commodities in the modern NFL, and $19 million is a fair price for a player who could serve as both an immediate contributor and a potential long-term starter.

In comparison to other positions, a starting-caliber quarterback is often the most expensive player on a roster. When considering the average salaries of quarterbacks in the NFL, a price tag of $19 million is relatively modest, especially when you factor in that the Vikings are likely eyeing a backup or potential future starter who could develop into a top-tier talent. In today’s quarterback market, having a player who can provide high-level play both in relief of Cousins and as a future starter is a bargain at that price.

Moreover, the Vikings have several other high-priced players on their roster who are nearing the end of their careers or could be let go due to age or performance. Players like defensive tackle Harrison Phillips and wide receiver Adam Thielen could be on the move, freeing up cap space. Adding a quarterback worth $19 million would allow the Vikings to address a significant need without compromising their ability to compete in other areas of the roster. The move would be strategic, as it would not only shore up the quarterback position but also provide future flexibility in terms of roster construction.

Potential Candidates for the Vikings’ Athletic Quarterback

Now that we’ve established why the Vikings need a more athletic quarterback and why the $19 million price tag is reasonable, it’s time to examine potential candidates who could fit the bill. While a franchise-altering quarterback is unlikely to become available for the Vikings in free agency, there are several athletic quarterbacks on the market who could be a perfect fit as a backup or future starter.

1. Jameis Winston – New Orleans Saints

Jameis Winston is an intriguing option for the Minnesota Vikings. Winston, known for his cannon of an arm and erratic but explosive play, brings a unique combination of athleticism and arm strength. He’s capable of making off-script plays, and while he has a history of turnovers, his ability to make big throws and his mobility in the pocket could give the Vikings’ offense a different dimension.

Winston has shown that he can be a capable starter in the NFL, and as a backup, he could provide insurance for Cousins if something were to happen. His athleticism and ability to create outside the pocket make him an intriguing backup option at a reasonable price.

2. Tyrod Taylor – New York Giants

Tyrod Taylor has had a long career as a reliable backup quarterback. Taylor is known for his mobility and leadership, and while he may not be as explosive as some other quarterbacks on the market, his experience and ability to manage games make him a solid option for the Vikings. Taylor is a steady hand who could come in and provide a spark if needed, and his mobility allows him to make plays with his legs, which is something the Vikings have lacked in the backup role.

Taylor is also a veteran who could provide mentorship for a young quarterback on the roster while still offering the ability to step in and perform when called upon. At around $19 million, Taylor would be a low-risk, high-reward signing who could elevate the Vikings’ quarterback room.

3. Teddy Bridgewater – Miami Dolphins

Teddy Bridgewater, a former Viking, could be a homecoming story that makes sense for both sides. Known for his accuracy and ability to avoid turnovers, Bridgewater is an intelligent quarterback who can operate an offense efficiently. Though he doesn’t possess the same level of athleticism as some of the other quarterbacks on this list, he can still extend plays with his legs and make accurate throws on the run.

Bridgewater’s familiarity with the Vikings’ system, combined with his leadership skills and reliable play, makes him an appealing option for the team. His athleticism may not be at the same level as some of the top quarterbacks in the league, but as a backup with experience and the ability to manage games, he could be a strong fit for Minnesota.

4. Marcus Mariota – Atlanta Falcons

Marcus Mariota is another quarterback who could potentially help the Vikings as a backup with athleticism and versatility. Mariota has had a checkered career as both a starter and a backup, but his mobility and ability to make plays with his legs are undeniable. He can be a significant asset in a situation where the Vikings need a quarterback to step in and create something out of nothing.

Mariota’s $19 million price tag could come down, especially after an up-and-down season with the Falcons, but his athleticism and playmaking ability make him a fascinating option for the Vikings. He could fill a dual role as a backup to Cousins and a potential starter in the future if needed.