NFL: Minnesota Vikings are expected to sign Indianapolis Colts quarterback in 2024

The quarterback position is one of the biggest unknowns for the Minnesota Vikings in the 2024 season.

Josh Dobbs’ Linsanity-like stint was brief, and as they evaluate their future at the position, it’s unclear whether they’ll continue with Kirk Cousins.

That being said, the Vikings may want to sign a quarterback in free agency to provide consistency as they attempt to remain competitive. Gardner Minshew of the Indianapolis Colts is the team’s backup quarterback.

While Minshew hasn’t been a regular starter since “Minshew Mania” in 2019, he’s still a competitive quarterback who can start for any team. He demonstrated this with the Indianapolis Colts, taking over as QB1 when Anthony Richardson suffered a season-ending shoulder injury.

Minshew was recommended as the Vikings’ primary quarterback choice in a recent Bleacher Report article in which the outlet listed out the players that clubs could seek to address their needs in 2024, and with good cause.

He won’t cost the Vikings much in terms of assets, and he has starting experience for a playoff-contending team. Not to mention, with Richardson slated to return to the Colts next season, Minshew may be tempted by the prospect of resuming his starting status.

“If [GM] Kwesi Adofo-Mensah doesn’t want to re-sign [Kirk] Cousins or give up a ton of assets to go after a quarterback prospect, Minshew would be a solid option in free agency since he’s done a good job filling in for Anthony Richardson this season,” according to the Bleacher Report list of reasons why the Vikings should consider signing Minshew.

“The five-year veteran had a 63.3 completion percentage, nearly 2,800 yards and 14 touchdowns heading into this weekend while keeping the Colts in the playoff hunt.”

With Cousins already 35 years old and coming off a devastating Achilles injury, it may be time for a change of guards–or, in this case, quarterbacks.

Gardner Minshew, meantime, is only 28 years old.

Minnesota Vikings Could Still Chase for Gardner Minshew Even if Kirk Cousins Returns

For what it’s worth, the Minnesota Vikings are expected to re-sign Kirk Cousins in the offseason.

According to ESPN’s Bill Barnwell, Cousins and the Vikings were playing “excellent” football prior to the quarterback’s injury, and given the defense’s growth, the best option is for them to run it back.

“A reunion with Cousins seems to make the most sense.” “The defense has made enough progress to compete right away, and the passing attack was absolutely humming before Cousins was injured,” Barnwell wrote.

“With Cousins’ path to a Kyle Shanahan reunion blocked by Brock Purdy in San Francisco and the Vikings not really in position to ensure landing a top quarterback prospect in the draft, a two-year deal with void seasons for cap purposes would make sense for the Vikings.”

Despite this, pursuing Minshew may still be a viable option for the Vikings. Given Cousins’ injury-plagued season, the team could benefit from an insurance policy to ensure they remain competitive even without their QB1.