Fansided

NFL rumors: 5 Kirk Cousins replacements Vikings should already consider

By Cody Williams

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - JANUARY 15: Kirk Cousins #8 of the Minnesota Vikings reacts after losing to the New York Giants in the NFC Wild Card playoff game at U.S. Bank Stadium on January 15, 2023 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - JANUARY 15: Kirk Cousins #8 of the Minnesota Vikings reacts after losing to the New York Giants in the NFC Wild Card playoff game at U.S. Bank Stadium on January 15, 2023 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 5
Next
Minnesota Vikings, Kirk Cousins replacements, Sam Darnold
SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA – JULY 27: Sam Darnold #14 of the San Francisco 49ers works out during training camp at SAP Performance Facility on July 27, 2023 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

4. If Sam Darnold gets saved by Kyle Shanahan, Vikings could take a swing

No, this isn’t a joke.

We know all about the shortcomings of Sam Darnold in the five NFL seasons he’s played since the New York Jets selected him third overall back in 2018. He’s been turnover-prone, skittish, and downright bad at times. Put simply, he’s earned a bust label at this point in his career.

Still just 26 years old, though, there’s a reason that the former USC Trojan was drafted that high. His talent remains undeniable and now he’s about to spend a year in San Francisco with the quarterback whisperer, Kyle Shanahan.

While it does appear that Darnold will be the backup to Brock Purdy at best this season, Shanahan and those around 49ers training camp have praised Darnold already this offseason. The goods are there, he just needs the right coach and, frankly, a good situation if his career is going to be saved.

Should that happen, Darnold is only on a one-year deal with the Niners this season. Subsequently, he’s another option for the Vikings that would be hitting free agency.

Look, taking Darnold based on his five years leading into 2023 would be a foolish plan for the Vikings, even if it’s a cheap stopgap to allow a younger player to develop or bide time until the 2025 NFL Draft. But if the 49ers and Shanahan work some magic on him, then perhaps it’s equally as good of an option for a stopgap as Tannehill or Cousins himself would be.

Home/Minnesota Vikings