The Minnesota Vikings are going to start Sam Darnold Week 1 against the New York Giants . Depth at the position has changed, and there is no emerging rookie. The shifts could change how they set up the position as a whole entering the regular season.
It’s Sam Darnold or bust for the Minnesota Vikings
J.J. McCarthy put together an impressive preseason debut against the Raiders. After a poor decision led to an interception, he showed poise and answered in a big way.
Now out for the season due to knee surgery , Sam Darnold is the only option left for the Minnesota Vikings. The franchise appears to understand depth behind him is non-existent as well. Matt Corral was signed with the Vikings putting McCarthy on injured reserve, but let’s hope any real QB upgrades would aim higher.
“I expect the Vikings to kind of keep their eyes open for a veteran quarterback. Maybe some sort of a cutdown day trade. Maybe someone who is released unexpected. Always going to scour the league for some depth options.”
Ian Rapoport on the Vikings QB situation
Minnesota isn’t in the business of looking to replace Darnold. Kevin O’Connell would like to avoid what he experienced last season in the wake of Kirk Cousins’ injury though.
Related: Nothing Will Deter Vikings from Starting Sam Darnold Week One
What options do Minnesota Vikings have at quarterback?
The Minnesota Vikings looking for veteran options at quarterback shouldn’t be shocking. Nick Mullens played last season and showed poorly. Jaren Hall played in the first preseason game and looked as though he had regressed . A better option behind Sam Darnold may be necessary, but who?
Free agent options are barren at this point. Ryan Tannehill is the cream of that crop. Other veteran names possible include Blaine Gabbert , A.J. McCarron , and Trevor Siemian . None of them are inspiring, and it’s hard to argue any would present a higher bar than Mullens .
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Along the lines of Rapoport’s cutdown suggestions, more possibilities open up. Justin Fields could have been fun had he already not been traded to the Steelers. Whichever Jaguars quarterback that doesn’t win the backup job, C.J. Beathard or Mac Jones , could also make sense.
Jarrett Stidham may be available, if the Broncos are content with Zach Wilson, behind Bo Nix. Maybe the Commanders deem Marcus Mariota as expendable, or Trey Lance finally makes his way to Minnesota.
It’s not a pretty group:
- Ryan Tannehill (36 y/o) – Free Agent
- Blaine Gabbert (34 y/o) – Free Agent
- A.J. McCarron (33 y/o) – Free Agent
- Trevor Siemian (32 y/o) – Free Agent
- C.J. Beathard (30 y/o) – Jacksonville
- Mac Jones (25 y/o) – Jacksonville
- Jarrett Stidham (28 y/o) – Denver
- Marcus Mariota (30 y/o) – Washington
- Trey Lance (24 y/o) – Dallas
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No matter who the move is for, if one is made at all, there shouldn’t be lofty expectations. It’s understandable that Minnesota would want someone better than Mullens or Hall, but time is definitely not on their side.
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