Vikings Rumors: Upcoming Regression, More Cousins Trade Chatter, & Draft Flirtations
K. Joudry
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We’ve officially transitioned into the portion of the year when Vikings rumors are going to be coming fast and furious.
As a result, I’m returning to the “Vikings Rumor Wrangle,” a series I’ve leaned on previously to keep readers informed on what’s being whispered about in Vikings Land. In this iteration, we discuss the seemingly inevitable step back, the tiresome Kirk Cousins trade theories, and some of Minnesota’s pre-draft work.
The Vikings Rumors – 04.05.2023
Rumor #1 – The Vikings Will Regress in 2023
Ah, yes, the Vikings doubt is alive and well. Frankly, you don’t even need to leave the borders of Viking Land to find the doubt. There’s plenty among us, thank you very much.
Nevertheless, the outside world does have some skepticism. Vikings Territory‘s Dustin Baker relayed the information that, at least according to one oddsmaker, Minnesota has less than a 50% shot of making the postseason. The ignoble odds follow the modest assessments in the collected power rankings on VT.
For the most part, analysts, prognosticators, and fans are all seeing the same reasons for regression. The one-score game record, the dismal defense, the ongoing commitment to Mr. Kirk Cousins (more on that later). Combined, these factors suggest Minnesota comes crashing back down to earth.
Perhaps that’s true.
What I’ll say, though, is that there’s one factor that could upset the pervasive Doom & Gloom (capital letters to make it appear more dramatic): the addition of Brian Flores. Can the soon-to-be head coach get Minnesota’s disastrous defense out of the doldrums of defensive drudgery? If so, the Vikings could put together a strong 2023 even if, say, the offense takes a step back.
Will they hit 13 wins? Probably not. Nevertheless, there’s a decent chance they can once again take the North. The Lions, for the first time in a long time, need to live up to expectations.
Rumor #2 – Kirk Cousins is a Trade Candidate (I’m Looking at You, Shanahan)
I know, I know: we’ve done this song and dance before. Some things just won’t die, folks. We think of Michael Myers from Halloween, Vecna from Stranger Things (Dungeons & Dragons?), and Cousins rumors from the NFL.
According to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk, the NFL Combine featured some renewed energy and buzz surrounding #8. Could he be on the way out? And where else would he go except for San Francisco? After all, Jimmy G is no longer standing in his way.
Folks, if this happens I’ll eat my hat.
On a recent appearance on Good Morning Football, Vikings co-owner Mark Wilf confirmed Cousins would be the QB in 2023. At the NFL Owners’ Meeting, Kevin O’Connell spoke about how excited he is to see what Mr. Cousins can do in his second season with the head coach. Partner those two public endorsements with Cousins’ no-trade clause and we’ve got a QB who is staying put.
Oh, and a trade would leave behind $38.75 million in dead money.
Rumor #3 – Minnesota is Flirting with Several Highly-Regarded Draft Prospects
Yes, most certainly. Like every other NFL team, the Vikings are in the midst of doing their due diligence on players worthy of a 1st-round pick.
Most recently, we learned from Aaron Wilson of KPRC2 that Brian Branch is visiting with Minnesota. Last year, the safety had 569 slot snaps, more than at any other spot on the field. Is Minnesota looking at the Alabama standout as their slot solution for 2023 and beyond?
Not too long afterwards, Wilson also relayed that Jordan Addison is meeting with the Vikings. The small-yet-speedy receiver could be a solid addition to the Kevin O’Connell offense, alleviating pressure on Justin Jefferson through his elusiveness and quickness. Josh Frey sees him as a nice fit, someone who could also help with punt returns.
Last week, we unpacked some of the Will Levis and Hendon Hooker chatter. Either could plausibly be a purple passer by the end of the month, but I’m not holding my breath. Otherwise, we learned from KSTP’s Darren Wolfson that the Vikings had a representative at Anthony Richardson’s Pro Day.
With less than a month to go before the NFL Draft, the flirtations will only intensify. One thing to keep in mind: the pre-draft process is often a time of feigned interest and intentionally misleading information. So, keep your wits about you.
Editor’s Note: Information from PFF and Over the Cap helped with this piece.
