The Minnesota Vikings might have to resigned themselves to losing quarterback Kirk cousins in free agency this month. So it shouldn’t be surprising that they’re doing some due-diligence on replacement options.
According to KSTP’s Darren Wolfson via Dov Kleiman, the Vikings have “some interest” in San Francisco 49ers quarterback Sam Darnold and New York Jets quarterback Zach Wilson.
Per the report, the Vikings see Darnold as “legit” and one of the top “bridge quarterbacks” available, while they’re doing “some homework” on the Jets quarterback.
Darnold spent the 2023 season as the backup to Brock Purdy on the San Francisco 49ers. He lost his only start and completed 60.9-percent of his passes for 297 yards and two touchdowns with one interception in 2023.
Wilson was the No. 2 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft and has been an unmitigated disaster for the New York Jets. Though he has had flashes of potential here and there, he’s proven unfit to lead in New York and went 4-7 as a starter, and has now been benched four times in just the past two years.
The Jets have granted Wilson’s request for a trade but are having a hard time finding anyone willing to pick up even a fraction of Wilson’s 2024 salary.
Darnold is clearly a better option at this stage of his career, but would likely cost the Vikings slightly more to pry him out of San Francisco. Wilson would not cost them nearly as much in terms of compensation.
Who do you think the Vikings will add at quarterback this offseason?