One of the biggest questions for the Minnesota Vikings for the 2024 season is their quarterback. Josh Dobbs’ Linsanity-like run was short-lived, and as they assess their future at the position, it’s uncertain if they’ll stick with Kirk Cousins or not.
With that being said, the Vikings could look to target a quarterback in free agency that will give them some continuity as they try to stay competitive. Enter Indianapolis Colts backup quarterback Gardner Minshew.
While Minshew hasn’t been a regular starter since the “Minshew Mania” of 2019, he remains a competitive quarterback who is more than capable of being a starter for any team. He proved as much with the Indianapolis Colts, taking over the QB1 duties when Anthony Richardson fell to a season-ending shoulder injury.
A recent article from Bleacher Report, in which the publication listed out the players that teams could target to address their needs in 2024, Minshew was suggested to be the Vikings’ primary quarterback candidate, and for good reason.
The Vikings won’t need to sacrifice significant assets to acquire him, and he has starting experience for a playoff-contending squad. Not to mention that with Richardson set to return to the Colts next season, Minshew might be enticed with the idea of a starting role once again.
“If [GM] Kwesi Adofo-Mensah doesn’t want to re-sign [Kirk] Cousins nor give up a ton of assets to go after a quarterback prospect, Minshew would be a solid option in free agency since 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 brutal Achilles injury, it might be the logical move to have a changing of the guards–well, quarterbacks in this case.
Gardner Minshew is also only entering his age-28 season, so he should have plenty of gas left even if the Minnesota Vikings stick with him long-term.
Minnesota Vikings Could Still Chase for Gardner Minshew Even if Kirk Cousins Returns
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.
“A reunion with Cousins makes the most sense. The defense has taken enough of a leap forward to compete immediately, and the passing attack was absolutely humming before Cousins went down injured,” Barnwell wrote.
“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.
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