The Minnesota Vikings are on the verge of losing Kirk Cousins to free agency soon, prompting them to explore every possible avenue for a potential replacement for the 2024 season, including considering Zach Wilson. Darren Wolfson from KSTP confirmed on the “Mackey and Judd” podcast on March 7 that the Vikings may target Sam Darnold and Wilson, as predicted by The Athletic.
If the Vikings lose Cousins, their primary target will be Baker Mayfield. However, if Mayfield doesn’t become available, the Vikings might opt for a young quarterback with potential upside. Darnold, despite not having success in his previous starting roles, is praised for his arm talent and could benefit from a year in Kyle Shanahan’s system. Wilson, although likely departing from the Jets, still possesses the talent to be a valuable asset in the right environment, making Minnesota a suitable destination.
Wolfson emphasized the serious interest in Darnold from the Vikings and mentioned he is one of their top options for a veteran bridge quarterback. They have also conducted some research on Wilson. However, the franchise still envisions a first-round rookie quarterback as the long-term solution, who would likely compete for the starting role alongside a veteran bridge starter.
While Darnold is set to become a free agent, Wilson is currently in the fourth year of his rookie deal with the Jets, carrying a manageable cap hit for the 2024 season. The Jets have permitted Wilson to explore trade options since February.
Vikings Could Wait for Jets to Cut Wilson, Buy Low on Former No. 2 Overall Pick
While the Vikings ideally aim to secure a long-term franchise quarterback, the upcoming 2024 season necessitates a trial period with a seasoned bridge starter. Introducing competition during training camp is a crucial step in this process.
Regarding Zach Wilson, he doesn’t present the substantial salary relief that teams typically seek in a rookie quarterback entering the final year of his contract. However, there’s a possibility that Wilson might be open to accepting a reduced salary to facilitate a trade, as suggested by NFL.com’s Kevin Patra.
Patra suggests that while Wilson could potentially agree to a pay cut for a trade, most teams interested in him might prefer to wait until the Jets inevitably release him. Wilson finds himself in a situation reminiscent of Trey Lance, the third overall pick who was eventually traded from the San Francisco 49ers to the Dallas Cowboys. Similar value, possibly a fourth-round pick, could potentially secure Wilson’s departure from New York.
Geno Smith Provides Encouraging Example for Jets Quarterbacks
When Zach Wilson was drafted second overall by the Jets in 2021 after his tenure at BYU, he entered a situation that mirrored the challenges faced by many young quarterbacks before him in New York.
Similarly, Sam Darnold was chosen as the third overall pick in 2018, representing the Jets’ ongoing pursuit of a successful rookie quarterback. However, after just three seasons, Darnold was traded away. Prior to Darnold, Geno Smith was another high-round rookie quarterback selection by the Jets in 2013, showing promise but facing setbacks before eventually finding success later in his career.
Smith, drafted in the second round in 2013, spent four years as a backup after leaving the Jets before seizing the starting role with the Seattle Seahawks and earning consecutive Pro Bowl selections. Notably, his game saw significant improvement, particularly in protecting the football, with interception rates under 2% in the past two seasons.
While Darnold and Wilson are regarded for their strong arm talent compared to Smith, their continued development hinges on their decision-making abilities. Darnold, now 26, demonstrated glimpses of improvement during his tenure with the 49ers under Kyle Shanahan’s guidance, while Wilson, at 24, still possesses ample potential for growth.
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