[ad_1]
The Minnesota Vikings will embark on the remainder of the 2023 marketing campaign with out beginning quarterback Kirk Cousins, who reportedly suffered a torn Achilles within the 24-10 Week 8 win towards the Inexperienced Bay Packers, ending his season.
The Vikings might determine to trip with backups Jaren Corridor or Sean Mannion to fill Cousins’ footwear, but when they select to go the commerce route, listed here are 5 names to think about:
Ryan Tannehill, Tennessee Titans
Whereas actually not the horny selection, there aren’t many obtainable QBs with expertise like Tannehill’s. Nursing a high-ankle sprain, Tannehill is on monitor to return quickly, maybe by Week 9. But, contemplating the path of the Titans franchise and rookie Will Levis’ four-touchdown debut in Week 8 towards the Falcons, Tannehill could by no means get his job again. If the Titans are prepared handy the reins over to Levis, they’re going to in all probability look to get what they will for Tannehill, who’s within the last 12 months of a four-year, $118 million contract.
Tannehill struggled earlier than his harm, finishing 62 % of his passes for 1,128 yards, two touchdowns, six interceptions and a 71.9 passer ranking. Nevertheless, he is been extremely productive for the Titans, going 38-23 as a starter whereas throwing for 13,959 yards with a 66.4 completion share, 91 landing passes, 39 interceptions and a 98 QB ranking.
If the Vikings want a veteran to fill in for Cousins, Tannehill could possibly be a comparatively low-cost choice with no long-term dedication.
Sam Darnold, San Francisco 49ers
The previous No. 3 general choose by no means met expectations with the New York Jets, however he is coming off arguably his finest season. In 2022, with the Carolina Panthers, Darnold accomplished 58.6 % of his passes, throwing for 1,143 yards with seven touchdowns and three interceptions for a 92.6 passer ranking, the very best of his profession. Moreover, he went 4-2 in six begins with the Panthers.
Darnold has but to see a lot motion behind 49ers starter Brock Purdy in 2023, going 1-for-1 for one yard throughout a quick reduction look in a blowout victory towards the Cowboys. Nevertheless, he is seen loads of enjoying time in his profession, beginning 17 video games over two seasons with the Panthers after making 38 begins in three years with the Jets.
Like Cousins, Darnold is a free agent after the 2023 marketing campaign, so the Vikings would not be on the hook past this season.
Jameis Winston, New Orleans Saints
From one high choose to a different, Winston, a former No. 1 general selection, is an insurance coverage coverage behind four-time Professional Bowler Derek Carr on the New Orleans Saints depth chart however could possibly be had for the correct value.
Whereas Winston has began solely three video games (1-2) over the previous two seasons, he is proven the flexibility to steer an NFL group. In 2021, Winston went 5-2 in seven begins for the Saints, throwing for 1,170 yards with a 59.0 completion share), 14 touchdowns and three interceptions for a 102.8 passer ranking.
Buying Winston from the Saints is likely to be tough and costlier than the others on this listing. Within the NFL, info is king, and most will do something authorized (and unlawful) to get it, particularly on upcoming opponents. With a matchup towards the Vikings across the nook in Week 10, the Saints would possibly suppose twice about dealing Winston and all he has saved on them to Minnesota.
Andy Dalton, Carolina Panthers
Dalton has essentially the most expertise of any QB on this listing, beginning a minimum of one recreation since his rookie season in 2011 with 163 profession begins so far. Whereas far faraway from his Professional Bowl days with the Cincinnati Bengals, Dalton nonetheless has proved succesful when known as upon and carved himself a strong area of interest as a backup throughout the twilight of his profession.
The 36-year-old has seen motion in three video games this 12 months, beginning one, with 2023 No. 1 general choose Bryce Younger the starter in Carolina. He is been serviceable when on the sector, finishing 34-of-58 passes for 361 yards with two touchdowns and 0 interceptions.
Like Tannehill and Winston, Dalton would possible make a easy transition to Minnesota. How a lot he strikes the needle with regards to success is debatable, although, contemplating he carries a profession report close to .500 (83-78-2) as a starter.
Kyler Murray, Arizona Cardinals
Murray is the house run choose, however even he is not that tantalizing. The previous No. 1 choose has proven flashes of brilliance over 4 seasons however hasn’t performed since Week 14 of 2022 after struggling a year-ending ACL harm.
It is unclear what kind of participant Murray will probably be post-injury, however he reportedly took first-team reps with the Cardinals forward of their Week 8 contest and is nearing a return. Nevertheless, Arizona is 1-7, and Murray may not match within the group’s plans transferring ahead.
Murray has his query marks, however he additionally has the very best potential upside. That possible means the price of a commerce for Minnesota can be substantial. He is additionally costly, with 5 extra assured seasons left on a $230.5 million contract.
As unlikely as a commerce for Murray is likely to be, it could possibly be enticing to the Vikings. Cousins will probably be a free agent at season’s finish, so buying Murray might kill two birds with one stone, giving them a QB for the remainder of the season and the long run.
Changing Cousins, who hadn’t missed on account of harm since becoming a member of the Vikings, will probably be difficult. Getting into Week 8, Cousins was first within the NFL in passing touchdowns (16), second in yards (2,057) and fourth in passer ranking (101.7). Moreover, the Vikings had been starting to warmth up behind Cousins, profitable three of their final 4 video games after an 0-3 begin.
However, accidents are an unlucky a part of soccer, and the Vikings should now transfer on with out Cousins, on the lookout for a brand new face to steer the group by the again half of the 12 months.
[ad_2]
Source link