NFL Trade Rumors: Vikings explored blockbuster move for $262,500,000 QB as Kirk Cousins' replacement
After Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins left the team for the Atlanta Falcons in free agency, the Vikings sought out to an AFC West team about replacing Cousins.
According to ESPN, the Vikings phoned the Los Angeles Chargers to check on quarterback Justin Herbert's availability before the draft. As expected, the Chargers weren't interested in trading Herbert, who they extended the offseason prior.
"At the combine, they checked with the Chargers on Herbert's availability," Kevin Seifert wrote. "It was the kind of call many NFL teams make to a team that has changed leadership.
"Adofo-Mensah had worked with new Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh when they were both with the 49ers from 2013 to '14, and was well aware of Harbaugh's preference for a run-based offensive scheme. The Chargers did not want to move Herbert, but the Vikings' interest was a sign for league observers about Cousins' looming availability."
The Vikings ended up signing veteran Sam Darnold in free agency and used their first-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft to select Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy.
Cousins left the Vikings after playing with them for the last six seasons as he signed a four-year, $180 million contract with the Atlanta Falcons.
Who will replace Kirk Cousins as the Minnesota Vikings' starting quarterback this season?
With Kirk Cousins out of Minnesota, it will be either rookie J.J. McCarthy or veteran QB Sam Darnold that replaces him as this year's starting quarterback. While the Vikings have the intention of making McCarthy their long-term franchise quarterback, they seem to not be in any rush of starting him.
Per head coach Kevin O'Connell, McCarthy has an "open-ended" timetable to take over as the starter. The plan is to have a competitive QB battle this offseason between Darnold and McCarthy.
If the young rookie isn't ready to start by Week 1, it seems as if Darnold would start the season off getting first-team reps. This could change at any point of the season if Darnold starts struggling or if the coaching staff sees improvment in the rookie.
Teams handle rookie quarterback situations differently. Some may miss an entire season or more (Patrick Mahomes, Jordan Love, Aaron Rodgers) or miss a few games (Will Levis, Tua Tagovailoa) until their name is called.
Who do you think will start for the Minnesota Vikings at quarterback in Week 1?