Kirk Cousins could help Sam Darnold become a starting quarterback again.
Cousins is bolting the Vikings and is set to sign a four-year deal worth $180 million with the Falcons, according to NFL Network, leaving Minnesota now scrambling for a quarterback.
The Vikings could now pivot to Sam Darnold, according to The Athletic, as free-agent quarterbacks continue to go elsewhere.
With Russell Wilson set to sign with the Steelers and Baker Mayfield returning to the Buccaneers, the top remaining quarterback options on the open market beyond Darnold are likely Joe Flacco and Ryan Tannehill, while career backups like Jacoby Brissett, Gardner Minshew, Jameis Winston and Tyrod Taylor are available as well.
With the No. 11 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, the Vikings will likely miss out on the top three or four quarterback prospects.
Justin Fields could also be an option for the Vikings, as the Bears hold the No. 1 pick and are widely expected to select Caleb Williams.
However, trades between division rivals can be tricky.
Darnold, an ex-Jets bust, spent last year as the 49ers’ backup to Brock Purdy after largely starting his first five seasons in the NFL.
The Jets selected Darnold with the No. 3 pick in the 2018 NFL Draft but he failed to meet massive expectations.
They traded him to the Panthers after three seasons in exchange for second-, fourth- and sixth-round picks, though he struggled in his two seasons with Carolina as well.
But the Vikings’ desperation could provide Darnold the lifeline his career needs.