Note: This article originally appeared on our website with a national theme, FranchiseTagged.com.
The Minnesota Vikings may be more interested in a quarter than it looks.
While Kirk Cousins has been locked up for at least 2021 as an appetizer with his fully guaranteed contract that lasts another two seasons, the Vikings currently have no viable rugby quarterback. The long-standing backup Sean Mannion has yet to be signed, which means the Vikings may be more interested in taking a rookie full-back somewhat early in the draft.
The Vikings are not looking for an appetizer in 2021, but the idea of having a rookie full-back disappear and put him behind Cousins for 1-2 years is an interesting idea.
Cousins is an above-average starter and a border-top ten quarterback, but at 32, we know who he is as a player. The Vikings can win with Cousins, but that requires a top list around him, which they currently do not have. We’ve seen other teams in the league make similar moves as well. The Kansas City Cheifs were a longtime playoff team under Alex Smith, but always fell short in January. So they bet on the front of Patrick Mahomes, and after letting him sit for a season, he watches him set the league on fire.
The Vikings series is not as talented as the Cheifs, and they are unlikely to get the next Mahomes, but it is a wise move to make a quarter early with a ton upside down.
Rick Spielman
General manager Rick Spielman has not previously shied away from splashing movements. In 2014, Spielman dropped back into the first round of the draft to take on Teddy Bridgewater. When Bridgewater was injured before the 2016 season, he again swapped a first choice for Sam Bradford.
After the Vikings reached the NFC Championship game under Case Keenum, Spielman once again made a splash by signing Cousins for a fully guaranteed contract. There are definitely precedents for Spielman to try and make a move if a quarter falls into the draft. The Vikings have no plans to pick a draft in the coming seasons, and with a quarterback class, it will be the year to move.
A young quarterback will also give Spielman some job security. There are rumors that Spielman and Mike Zimmer, head coach, are on the hottest seat. That means they need to have a successful 2021 season. However, a young full-back could also give them a bit of a cushion, as the team is likely to move on from Cousins after his contract ends – if not sooner. Spielman might also be watching the 49ers and taking points from them. Jimmy Garappolo just led the 49ers to a Super Bowl last season, but earlier this season the 49ers shocked the league by trading to the third overall pick.
Although it is not clear which fullback they have noticed, they will definitely pick one. Spielman probably knows that he and Cousins have reached the ceiling of this team, and a young quarterback will give him a few more years to try and give the Vikings their first Super Bowl.
Concept rumors
Over the past few weeks, there has also been talk of quarterbacks falling into this draft. There are five quarterbacks expected to be drafted in the top ten picks. However, it is also likely that one of the quarterbacks is starting to fall into the draft. Outside of the top three picks, only Denver is interested in a quarterback. The fourth overall choice is also one to look at. There will likely be a bidding war between teams to swap in the choice to take a quarter.
In the scenario that a quarter should fall to about the 8th pick or later, this is the best case for the Vikings. It won’t be a big leap to trade a few spots from 14, especially if it’s a quarter on which the Vikings front office celebrates high tide.
The other option would be to set up a quarter on day two. High players like Davis Mills, Kellen Mond and Jamie Newman are expected to be available on day two, and the Vikings can then wait and pick one. That would be more of a gamble, as recently there have not been many cases of day two and three quarterbacks. The most recent examples are Derek Carr, Russell Wilson and Cousins.
The Vikings’ best chance of finding their quarterback of the future is in the first round as the concept goes their way.
Think of the future
The main reason for the Vikings considering a quarterback this year is because they are thinking about the future. Their free agencies, which include annual deals with players such as Patrick Peterson, Xavier Woods and Mackensie Alexander, indicate they are in a winning mode in 2021.
However, the grid makeup in 2022 and beyond looks shaky. Cousins will get a $ 45 million cap in 2022, which is likely to be unsustainable. Spielman could use a rookie full-back to expand his timeline as general manager, while allowing for a quick review of the list. The Wilf brothers have shown that they are not interested in having a complete rebuild, so if the Vikings want to be competitive once the Cousins contract is up, the future in this draft will not be a bad idea at all.
Ultimately, the decision to take a quarter early will come down to how much leash Spielman and Zimmer have. If they are assured that they will keep their job, it makes a lot of sense to set up a quarter of an hour. The Vikings are in a winning mode this year, but they will likely have to move on from Cousins to stay competitive in the coming years, as his current cap hits are not ideal.
A rookie quarterback will give the Vikings a little excitement for a team that has become a little complacent over the past few seasons. The lower cap number for a rookie will also allow the Vikings to compile a rankings similar to their 2017 series, which was a game away from the Super Bowl.