Quarterback questions for the Minnesota Vikings and Kwesi Adofo-Mensah this off season!
This heightened specialization has sparked much speculation. As rumors swirl, questions arise about Trey Lance’s stalled start as a quarterback in the NFL. Initially poised to lead the San Francisco 49ers, Lance was sidelined by a season-ending injury during the 2021-2022 season, subsequently becoming the backup quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys. His absence paved the way for Brock Purdy’s rise to prominence. Purdy, now recognized for his achievements, skillfully steered the 49ers’ diverse offensive arsenal to the Super Bowl, albeit ending in a potentially contentious defeat. Many believe that had Lance remained healthy, he would have thrived in Purdy’s position, given his remarkable attributes and football intelligence.
Stating the obvious, The Vikings are almost inevitably going to lose Kirk Cousins to free agency. Based off of what Kirk Cousins is saying and expressing to the team and his agent. He is asking for guaranteed time and money. The fact of the matter is Vikings General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and the organization do not have much play with either the time or the money.
The proverbial clock is ticking, and the eventual signing of WR Justin Jefferson to the Vikings would likely be facing a certain salary cap hit within the course of this off season. Trey Lance works his way in to this conversation, as a still unproven and arguably unfairly shunned suiter for the job here in Minneapolis. Given the facts, the Vikings wouldn’t be looking at a huge Finacial hit to the salary cap!
Trey Lance and his history in the Midwest is undeniable when considering the possibility of him putting on the purple in the upstart of his career! Former pride of Marshall Minnesota and the NDSU Bison! Full time starter at NDSU, Lance accumulated 28 touchdowns and 0 interceptions. All while claiming a division AA National Championship during his time at NDSU. This obviously was appealing to the NFL and their scouts as Trey Lance was the #3 overall pick in the 2021 Draft via the 49ers and Kyle Shannahan. Eventually breaking his leg in the early part of the 2022 season, Lance while still on his rookie deal was traded (2023) to the Dallas Cowboys for a 4th round pick.
Former native of the great state of Minnesota and the Minnesota Vikings
Trey Lance is definitely being looked at as a “Solve” at the quarterback position. Even if the Vikings are to take a Quarterback in the first round of this year’s draft class. He is still an unproven and possibly undiscovered talent with great athleticism and a strong arm. @Rich Eisen, The Rich Eisen show on 3.4.24 mentioned he had heard murmurs that Lance could be in play for the Vikings.
Minnesota Vikings: Talking numbers
What would the cost be for the Vikings to acquire Trey Lance this offseason? Lance, still under his rookie contract, would be entitled to the league minimum of 1.055 million, along with a 4.256-million-dollar bonus. The Vikings organization must carefully weigh their options, considering the risk and reward involved in investing over 5 million dollars in an unproven quarterback in the National Football League.
Option 1: One possibility is a trade that involves the return of the 4th round pick that the Cowboys forfeited to the 49ers in the acquisition of Lance. In addition to the draft pick, Dallas could potentially absorb a significant portion of the 4.256-million-dollar bonus that Trey Lance is expected to receive upon the completion of his rookie contract at the end of the 2024 season.
Option 2: Dallas is unlikely to exercise Trey Lance’s 5th-year option, so the Vikings may opt to wait a season and acquire the former 1st round draft pick for the league minimum. While this option would not impact quarterback play in the upcoming season, signing a bridge quarterback may be the most suitable option for this offseason. As the Vikings explore quarterback options and possibilities, the potential reunion of Trey Lance with his former home in Minnesota presents an intriguing notion.
