Only Four QB Options Remain for Vikings’ QB2 Position
The Minnesota Vikings saw not only one or two but three quarterbacks depart in the past few days. Sam Darnold will throw passes for the Seahawks, the Colts acquired Daniel Jones to compete with Anthony Richardson, and Nick Mullens followed assistant QB coach Grant Udinski to Jacksonville.
Only Four QB Options Remain for Vikings’ QB2 Position
The Vikings now have only two QBs under contract with Brett Rypien, last year’s QB3, and the presumed starter, J.J. McCarthy. A new QB2 is needed, someone who can mentor McCarthy and replace him if needed.
If we exclude potential starters Aaron Rodgers and Russell Wilson, as well as low-end QB2s who aren’t really alternatives to McCarthy in case of injury or poor performance, only four guys remain on the market after the recent wave of signings.
The four QBs are in alphabetical order:
1. Joe Flacco
Joe Flacco is on the wrong side of 40, but that’s where the list of negatives ends.
If the Vikings want a veteran to mentor McCarthy, well, here he is. Flacco has been a backup or bridge quarterback ever since he was benched for Lamar Jackson in 2018. He has bounced around and is comfortable in a one-year backup role.
Just last year, he stepped in for Richardson in the game against the Vikings. His arm is still decent, and his gunslinger mentality is a perfect match for Kevin O’Connell’s downfield offense in which the receivers Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison just need chances.
Flacco visited the Giants on Thursday.
2. Cooper Rush
Undoubtedly the least accomplished player on the list, Cooper Rush has actually played some solid football in the last few years.
Throughout his career, the longtime Cowboy has appeared in 38 games (14 starts). He went 9-5 in starts, throwing for 20 touchdowns and only ten interceptions.
He has shown that he can win football games with a competitive team and has experience in the backup role. Rush is 31 years old.
3. Carson Wentz
Once a potential league MVP, his career went south once he tore his ACL in 2017. Carson Wentz is not what he once was, but he has always had the physical tools to succeed.
In the last few years, he has spent time with some offensive minds, Sean McVay and Andy Reid, who possibly have taught him a thing or two. His last meaningful sample size of play took place in 2022 with the Commanders.
If O’Connell thinks he can get something out of the former second-overall pick, he is available. Many have tried to revive the QB’s career. O’Connell just fixed Darnold’s issues, so why not try to repeat it?
4. Jameis Winston
Wherever he goes, Jameis Winston somehow lands on the field and has two phenomenal performances followed by a couple of horrendous outings.
Just last year, he had 13 touchdowns and 12 interceptions with the Browns. Unforgettable is the roller coaster 2019 season in which he threw for a mind-blowing 30 interceptions but also 33 touchdowns.
Winston is a guy who, similar to Flacco, will target receivers downfield. Sometimes that works, and sometimes it doesn’t. If McCarthy was forced to miss a game or two, Winston is the kind of guy the Vikings want to lead them.
Editor’s Note: Information from PFF, Over The Cap, and Pro Football Reference helped with this article.
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Janik Eckardt is a football fan who likes numbers and stats. The Vikings became his favorite team despite their quarterback at the time, Christian Ponder. He is a walking soccer encyclopedia, loves watching sitcoms, and prefers Classic rock over other genres. Follow him on Twitter if you like the Vikings: @JanikEckardt