The Minnesota Vikings are on the quest for a lasting solution to their quarterback dilemma, yet they might find themselves resorting to a temporary fix once more. In 2022, with Kirk Cousins in the final year of his $66 million, two-year extension, newly appointed general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and head coach Kevin O’Connell made a short-term move by offering Cousins a $35 million deal to keep him on board until 2023, deferring the ultimate decision.
While the Vikings have the option to extend Cousins further, they face competition from other NFL teams if no agreement is reached before the free agency kicks off on March 13. Pioneer Press columnist Charley Walters estimates that retaining Cousins could cost the franchise up to $90 million guaranteed over the next two seasons. This would be another costly stopgap measure without a clear succession plan.
Gavin Dorsey of the Star Tribune proposed various options for Minnesota to replace Cousins, both in the short term and long term, through the upcoming NFL draft. In addition to considering 2024 draft prospects, Dorsey suggested exploring short-term bridge solutions that come at a lower cost than retaining Cousins and could potentially position the team well for the future. If the Vikings don’t view any of the 2024 options as their future quarterback, Dorsey proposed the possibility of signing a veteran free agent in 2025, such as Sam Darnold, Jameis Winston, or Jake Browning. This approach could provide a cost-effective interim solution and potentially pave the way for securing a higher-drafted quarterback in 2025.
Jameis Winston Offers Vikings Unique, Potentially Successful Replacement for Kirk Cousins
Among the three bridge starter options suggested by Dorsey, Jameis Winston stands out as the most experienced and captivating choice.
Originally selected as the No. 1 overall pick by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the 2015 NFL Draft, Winston enjoyed a five-year tenure with the franchise. During this period, he started in 70 games, accumulating a win/loss record of 28-42. Notably, he secured a Pro-Bowl appearance in his rookie season and led the league in passing yards with an impressive 5,109 in 2019.
However, Winston’s career has been marked by a significant drawback—his league-leading 30 interceptions in the 2019 season. This flaw, coupled with the arrival of Tom Brady, led to Winston’s departure from the Buccaneers after the 2019 campaign. Subsequently, he joined the New Orleans Saints, where he has predominantly served as a backup for the past four seasons. Despite his intermittent role, Winston’s extensive experience and past achievements make him an intriguing candidate for the Vikings’ bridge quarterback position.
Jameis Winston’s Fatal Flaw Is Turnovers, but Vikings HC Kevin O’Connell Can Help Mitigate That
Over his nine-year career, Jameis Winston has amassed impressive statistics, throwing for 22,104 passing yards, 141 touchdowns, and 99 interceptions, while holding a win/loss record of 34-46. Despite reaching the age of 30, the quarterback still possesses a powerful arm and a knack for orchestrating significant plays on the field. This skill set positions Winston as an enticing prospect for the Minnesota Vikings, especially given the team’s talented group of receivers, led by All-Pro wide receiver Justin Jefferson.
While Winston has struggled with turnovers throughout his career, the Vikings may find these concerns less troubling under the guidance of head coach Kevin O’Connell. O’Connell’s coaching expertise could potentially harness Winston’s strengths, maximizing his ability to make impactful plays while minimizing his propensity for turnovers.
Moreover, Winston’s potential acquisition should be a cost-effective endeavor, with Spotrac projecting his market value at a relatively modest $2.76 million for a new one-year contract. This affordability makes Winston an appealing and low-risk experiment for the Vikings as they explore options for their quarterback position.
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