The Vikings have had one of the more curious offseasons since the start of the NFL‘s 2023 league year. Freshly removed from a surprise 13-4 debut under new coach Kevin O’Connell, second-year general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah has spent more time shedding familiar faces than restocking the lineup early in free agency. More than a week since the market opened, his most notable moves include a pricey deal for a backup tight end and a one-year flyer for ex-Saints first-rounder Marcus Davenport.
One area, in particular, however, feels more ripe for future change than normal: quarterback. Kirk Cousins has been the Vikings’ handsomely paid starter for a half-decade now, and odds are he’ll play out his current contract, especially after Minnesota recently reworked his deal to free up salary cap space. But Adofo-Mensah has repeatedly hinted at an eventual upgrade under center, advocating for “flexibility” in QB plans. And Cousins is set to take the field at U.S. Bank Stadium on a contract year.
Moving on from Cousins before next offseason would be a challenge, financially speaking. The Vikings currently boast a mere $1.1 million in cap space, per Over the Cap. They can’t save any money by trading Cousins until after June 1, barring another major renegotiation with the QB. And Cousins also has a no-trade clause, meaning he can veto any potential deal. The cleanest path to a fresh start simply comes in 2024.
And yet, never say never in the NFL. This is a league where only a select few teams boast membership to the top-tier QB club. And right now, improbable as they may be, there are a few scenarios that could afford the Vikings longer-term upside at the most important position in sports. Here’s a look at potential next steps and possibilities:
Freeing up more money
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This would be the first step toward doing anything at QB. Some veterans are still due to be cut for cap savings; think pass rusher Za’Darius Smith, whose exit would free up at least $7M. Running back Dalvin Cook is another candidate to be moved, especially as he heals up from a lingering shoulder injury. Running mate Alexander Mattison is back on a $7M extension and perfectly capable of manning RB1 duties alongside a cheaper…
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