Who Will Play Quarterback for the Minnesota Vikings in the NFL Draft and 2025?

As the 2025 NFL season approaches, the Minnesota Vikings find themselves at a pivotal crossroads regarding their quarterback situation. The team has enjoyed a steady, if unspectacular, level of success under Kirk Cousins over the past several years, but his future with the team is now uncertain. Entering the 2025 offseason, the Vikings must decide whether to stick with Cousins, move in a new direction, or find a middle ground. The NFL Draft, free agency, and trade markets are all in play, with several potential options on the table.

This article will examine the current state of the Vikings’ quarterback position, the potential routes the team could take in the 2025 offseason, and which quarterbacks—whether through the draft, free agency, or trade—could be the ones to lead Minnesota forward.

The Current State of the Vikings’ Quarterback Situation

As of now, Kirk Cousins is still the starting quarterback for the Minnesota Vikings, but the relationship between the two sides is becoming increasingly tenuous. Cousins has been the face of the franchise for several years, providing consistency and solid production under center. Over his six seasons with the team, Cousins has posted over 4,000 passing yards in each campaign, making him one of the league’s most reliable signal-callers in terms of statistics. He’s thrown for 30+ touchdowns in multiple seasons and has helped the team make the playoffs in several of his years.

However, Cousins’ tenure has been marked by some key frustrations. Despite impressive individual numbers, the Vikings have struggled to make deep playoff runs, with the team only winning a single playoff game during his time in Minnesota. This lack of postseason success has left many questioning whether Cousins is capable of leading the Vikings to the next level. Furthermore, with Cousins entering his age-36 season in 2025, the Vikings are starting to consider their long-term options at quarterback.

Cousins’ contract also plays a significant role in the uncertainty. He’s set to become a free agent in 2025, and with an aging contract and no long-term deal in place, the Vikings must decide whether to extend him or move in a new direction. Minnesota has shown some interest in adding a quarterback of the future, but how they approach this situation could shape their success over the next several years.

The 2025 NFL Draft: A Potential Solution

One of the most exciting aspects of the 2025 offseason is the NFL Draft, where several highly touted quarterbacks will be available for teams like the Vikings to target. With the 2025 draft class loaded with talent at the quarterback position, the Vikings could decide to draft their quarterback of the future and possibly look for a replacement for Cousins. There are a few quarterbacks who could potentially fit the Vikings’ system and become their franchise signal-caller. Let’s explore the prospects:

1. Caleb Williams (USC)

Considered the top quarterback prospect for the 2025 NFL Draft, Caleb Williams is the consensus No. 1 overall pick. The 6’1″, 215-pound dual-threat quarterback out of USC has the athleticism, arm strength, and playmaking ability that scouts covet in a franchise QB. Williams is a dynamic player who can throw from the pocket, extend plays outside the pocket, and make accurate passes on the move. His ability to perform in clutch situations and his poise under pressure have made him a fan favorite and a top pick for any team in need of a quarterback.

For the Vikings, selecting Caleb Williams would represent a bold, long-term commitment to developing a young quarterback with elite potential. While Cousins could provide a bridge year or two for a rookie, Williams could eventually step in and become the team’s starter in a similar way that Patrick Mahomes succeeded Alex Smith in Kansas City. His mobility and arm talent would complement the Vikings’ offensive playmakers like Justin Jefferson and Dalvin Cook, creating an exciting future for the team.

However, there is a potential obstacle: if the Vikings are not positioned in the top tier of the draft order, they may need to trade up to secure Williams. Minnesota would have to weigh the cost of trading up in the draft against the possibility of selecting a quarterback later in the draft.

2. Drake Maye (North Carolina)

Drake Maye is another quarterback who could go high in the 2025 draft. Standing at 6’4″, 220 pounds, Maye has the size and athleticism that NFL teams look for in a quarterback. He possesses a powerful arm, great accuracy on short and intermediate throws, and impressive poise in the pocket. His calm demeanor under pressure and ability to make all the necessary throws has made him one of the most intriguing prospects in the draft.

Maye’s ability to read defenses and make quick decisions could make him a natural fit for the Vikings’ offense, especially under head coach Kevin O’Connell’s system. With the right coaching and development, Maye could quickly be groomed into a franchise quarterback capable of leading the Vikings to sustained success.

Like Williams, Maye’s draft stock could be high, meaning the Vikings may have to either trade up to secure him or hope he falls to them in the mid-to-late first round. Given the talent surrounding him, adding Maye would allow the Vikings to build a team around a young quarterback with a strong skill set.

3. Quinn Ewers (Texas)

Another quarterback to watch in the 2025 draft is Quinn Ewers out of Texas. A former five-star recruit, Ewers has been steadily improving throughout his college career, showcasing an excellent arm and the ability to make throws at every level of the field. His development over the next season could determine whether he’s a first-round pick in 2025.

Ewers has a bit of a gunslinger mentality, which could suit the Vikings’ high-powered offense. However, he will need to refine his decision-making, consistency, and ability to process information quickly at the next level. If Ewers can prove that he can clean up his game, he could be a strong option for the Vikings, especially if they are unable to land Williams or Maye.

Free Agency and Trade Options

If the Vikings decide not to draft a quarterback in 2025, they could turn to the free agent or trade market for their next signal-caller. Here are a few quarterbacks who could be available and provide a potential solution for the Vikings.

1. Sam Darnold (San Francisco 49ers)

Sam Darnold’s name has come up in various rumors, and there’s a possibility the Vikings could pursue him if he becomes available in free agency. Darnold has shown flashes of potential throughout his career, especially with the 49ers under Kyle Shanahan’s coaching. He has the size, arm strength, and mobility to succeed in a scheme similar to what the Vikings run under O’Connell.

Darnold could serve as a solid bridge quarterback who could come in and compete for the starting role, at least for a year or two while the team develops a long-term plan. His familiarity with a similar system and ability to play under pressure could make him an attractive target for the Vikings.

2. Kirk Cousins (Minnesota Vikings)

While it may seem unlikely, it’s always possible that the Vikings could extend Kirk Cousins and keep him for the foreseeable future. If Cousins continues to play at a high level in 2024, the Vikings may decide to lock him down to a longer deal. The franchise would have to weigh the cost of keeping Cousins, who will be 36 years old, against the prospect of acquiring a younger quarterback.

Cousins has been reliable, but the lack of playoff success could lead to Minnesota seeking a new direction. However, if Cousins remains in Minnesota and the team believes he’s still capable of leading the franchise, re-signing him could be the safest option for continuity.

3. Trey Lance (San Francisco 49ers)

Trey Lance is another intriguing name to consider. After being traded to the San Francisco 49ers in 2021, Lance has had limited opportunities to start but still holds significant upside. If the 49ers decide to move on from Lance, Minnesota could be a good fit for the young quarterback to develop in a system similar to the one in San Francisco. Lance’s raw athleticism and physical tools would fit well with the Vikings’ offense, but it would require patience and development to unlock his full potential.