3 Potential Landing Spots for Nick Mullens via Trade
When the Minnesota Vikings decided to select J.J. McCarthy with the 10th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, it almost certainly ensured another QB move would be coming in Minnesota.
Either Jaren Hall or Nick Mullens likely will be moved off the roster while Sam Darnold and McCarthy battle for the starting role in 2024. As OTAs and mandatory minicamp approach, here are three potential landing spots for Mullens this season.
Chicago Bears
Of course, the Chicago Bears decided to select Caleb Williams with the first overall pick back in April. Before rookie minicamp could even begin in Chicago, the Bears had declared Williams as the starting quarterback in 2024.
A likely reason for that early announcement comes because the Bears simply don’t have a ton of talent at the QB position other than Williams. They traded Justin Fields to the Pittsburgh Steelers earlier this offseason, and Tyson Bagent is curently listed as the QB2, who was signed as an undrafted free agent in 2023. They also employ Brett Rypien and another UDFA, Austin Reed. The Bears could use a veteran backup in that room, and perhaps Mullens could provide that for them.
Los Angeles Rams
The Los Angeles Rams have seen firsthand what can happen when Matthew Stafford gets hurt, and they don’t have a ton of veteran talent behind him. Last year, the team had Carson Wentz on the roster behind Stafford, but his services are now employed by the Kansas City Chiefs.
Los Angeles currently has Stetson Bennett and Dresser Winn on the roster, but neither player has thrown a pass at the NFL level. Stafford is entering his age-36 season and has already been injury prone in the past. They could use some veteran help behind their QB1.
Baltimore Ravens
When Lamar Jackson has been healthy, the Baltimore Ravens are guaranteed to be one of the best teams in the NFL. However, that has not always been the case as he missed five games during both the 2021 and 2022 seasons.
Behind Jackson, the Ravens currently hold Josh Johnson on their roster, who has been a journeyman throughout his career but has started only nine games since entering the league in 2009. Then, it’s Malik Washington and a pair of UDFAs (Devin Leary and Emory Jones). Mullens could be a more proven option to back up the two-time MVP this year.
Editor’s Note: Statistics for this article were found via Pro Football Reference.
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Josh Frey is a Class of 2020 graduate of The College of Idaho and managing editor of PurplePTSD.com. When he’s not writing about the NFL, Josh enjoys running, gaming, or rooting for the Milwaukee Brewers and Bucks. Check out his Twitter account: @Freyed_Chicken.