One of the major uncertainties for the Minnesota Vikings heading into the 2024 season is who will play quarterback. Josh Dobbs’ Linsanity-like stint was brief, and as they evaluate their future at the position, it’s unclear if they’ll remain with Kirk Cousins or not.
With that said, the Vikings may aim to sign a quarterback in free agency to provide some continuity as they try to remain competitive. Enter Gardner Minshew, the Indianapolis Colts’ backup quarterback.
While Minshew hasn’t been a regular starter since “Minshew Mania” in 2019, he’s still a competitive quarterback who can start for any team. He demonstrated it with the Indianapolis Colts, taking over as quarterback when Anthony Richardson suffered a season-ending shoulder injury.
In a recent Bleacher Report piece listing the players that clubs could seek to address their needs in 2024, Minshew was identified as the Vikings’ primary quarterback choice, and with good reason.
The Vikings will not have to give up substantial assets to acquire him, and he has starting experience on a playoff-contending team. Not to mention, with Richardson expected to return to the Colts next season, Minshew may be attracted by the prospect of a starting role once more.
“If [GM] Kwesi Adofo-Mensah does not want to re-sign [Kirk] Cousins or give up a ton of assets to go after a quarterback prospect, Minshew would be a solid option in free agency because he’s done a good job of filling in for Anthony Richardson this season,” the Bleacher Report list stated on why the Vikings should consider going after Minshew.
“The five-year veteran had a 63.3 completion percentage, nearly 2,800 yards and 14 touchdowns heading into this weekend while keeping the Colts in the playoff hunt.”
With Cousins already 35 years old and coming off a nasty Achilles injury, it may be time for a change of guards–or, in this case, quarterbacks.
Gardner Minshew is also only 28 years old, so he should have plenty of gas left even if the Minnesota Vikings keep him around for a while.
Minnesota Vikings Could Still Chase for Gardner Minshew Even if Kirk Cousins Returns
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For what it’s worth, the Minnesota Vikings are recently rumored to more likely re-sign Kirk Cousins in the offseason.
Bill Barnwell of ESPN noted that Cousins and the Vikings were playing “excellent” football prior to the quarterback’s injury, and considering the progress that the defense has made, the best choice is for them to run it back.
“Reunion with Cousins makes the most sense. Barnwell noted, “The defense has made enough progress to compete right away, and the passing attack was absolutely humming before Cousins was injured.”
“With Cousins’ path to a Kyle Shanahan reunion blocked by Brock Purdy in San Francisco and the Vikings not really in position to ensure landing a top quarterback prospect in the draft, a two-year deal with void seasons for cap purposes would make sense for the Vikings.”
Despite that, however, it might still be a good option for the Vikings to chase for Minshew. Considering the injury-riddled season Cousins had, the team could really use an insurance policy to make sure they will remain competitive even without their QB1.
