As the off-season unfolds, the Minnesota Vikings find themselves in a precarious position with only Jaren Hall and Nick Mullens currently under contract at the quarterback position. Given the challenges faced in the previous season with such limited depth, there’s an air of anticipation and speculation surrounding the team’s next moves.

The burning question on every Vikings fan’s mind is: What will the team do to address the quarterback situation? Will they opt to bring back Kirk Cousins for another stint? Seek out a seasoned veteran to serve as a bridge quarterback? Or perhaps, set their sights on drafting a promising signal-caller to shape the franchise’s future?

In this article, let’s break down five free agent quarterback options for the Minnesota Vikings.

Option 1: Sign Ryan Tannehill

Let’s be honest—Ryan Tannehill’s recent performances in Tennessee haven’t quite lived up to his earlier glory days. The past two seasons have been marked by underwhelming outings, leaving fans wondering if he’s truly the same quarterback who once showed such promise.

Yet, despite his recent struggles, Tannehill remains an intriguing option, particularly as a cost-effective bridge quarterback to groom a rookie signal-caller. Realistically, bringing in Tannehill wouldn’t signal a declaration of him being “the guy” for the Vikings. Instead, the hope would be for a young prospect to seize the reins after several games under Tannehill’s guidance.

Of course, there’s always the chance that Tannehill experiences a resurgence and mirrors the impressive numbers he posted in his standout 2020 campaign: 3,819 passing yards, 33 touchdowns and a mere 7 interceptions. After all, stranger things have indeed happened in the unpredictable realm of the NFL.

Projected stats with Vikings: (7 games) 1,415 passing yards with 10 touchdowns and 6 interceptions

Option 2: Gardner Minshew

Minshew Mania hitting Minnesota? Count me in! Gardner Minshew has certainly earned his stripes as a dependable starter in recent years. Despite the ups and downs, his stint with the Colts last season showcased his ability to hold his own on the field. Tallying up 3,305 passing yards, along with 15 touchdowns and 9 interceptions, Minshew demonstrated resilience and adaptability in the face of challenges.

Granted, it wasn’t an all-pro-caliber performance, but let’s consider the circumstances. Minshew was without the formidable Jonathan Taylor for part of the season, and his receiving corps, beyond Michael Pittman, left something to be desired. Given the circumstances, his numbers speak volumes about his capability to lead an offense effectively.

Now, let’s talk about potential. Will Minshew be the one to lead the Vikings to a Lombardi Trophy or catapult them into the playoffs? Maybe not. But let’s not underestimate the value of a good time. Bringing Minshew aboard could inject a dose of excitement and unpredictability into the Vikings’ season—a journey that promises to be anything but dull.

Opting for a one-year deal with Minshew seems like a win-win scenario. It’s a low-risk, high-reward proposition that could pay dividends for the Vikings. So why not buckle up and enjoy the ride? Minshew Mania awaits, and it might just be the spark the Vikings need to ignite their season.

Projected stats with the Vikings: (18 games) 3,937 passing yards with 22 touchdowns and 12 interceptions

Option 3: Jacoby Brissett

If the Minnesota Vikings could turn back time to last season’s trade deadline, opting for Brissett over the Passtronaut might have been the smarter move. But as they say, hindsight is always 20/20. When thrust into the role of a full-time starter, Brissett has consistently risen to the occasion.

Reflecting on his stints with the Colts in 2017 and 2019, Brissett showcased his capabilities by passing for 3,098 and 2,942 yards, respectively. Even in his campaign with the Browns in 2022, he demonstrated his prowess with 2,608 passing yards. Beyond the stat sheet, Brissett is revered by teammates for his leadership qualities—a trait that could greatly benefit a team brimming with young talent.

Now, let’s consider the future. With the assumption that the Vikings will draft their quarterback of the future come April, Brissett emerges as an ideal candidate to hold down the fort in the interim. With a robust skill set and a wealth of experience under his belt, Brissett has the makings of a seasoned starter who can navigate the rigors of an NFL season.

Moreover, envision Brissett not only as a starter but also as a mentor—a guiding force for the young quarterback waiting in the wings. His ability to impart wisdom and lead by example could prove invaluable in shaping the future of the Vikings’ quarterback position.

Of all the bridge quarterback options on the table, Brissett stands out as my personal favorite. His blend of talent, leadership and mentorship makes him a compelling choice to usher in a new era of Vikings football.

Projected stats with the Vikings: (14 games) 3, 233 passing yards with 19 touchdowns and 10 interceptions

Option 4: Sam Darnold

Following the Super Bowl, rumblings surfaced suggesting that Sam Darnold could potentially be in the mix as the Minnesota Vikings’ quarterback. My initial reaction to this news was one of mild indifference. If indeed the Vikings opt to bring Darnold into the fold, I believe it’s imperative for him to earn his stripes by competing with the rookie quarterback during training camp. Handing him the starting job outright from the outset doesn’t sit quite right with me.

Darnold’s journey in the NFL thus far has been somewhat tumultuous, to say the least. Despite being selected third overall in the draft, his performance metrics have failed to impress, leaving many questioning his true potential. In my estimation, his ceiling appears to be that of a high-end backup quarterback—a role he may excel in.

While I wouldn’t necessarily oppose the idea of Darnold starting the first four or five games to provide some stability before transitioning to the rookie, the prospect of enduring an entire season with Darnold at the helm does give me pause. Watching a quarterback with unfulfilled potential lead the team for an extended period could prove to be a challenging experience for fans.

In essence, while Darnold’s addition to the roster may offer some short-term benefits, the long-term implications and potential frustrations cannot be overlooked. As such, careful consideration must be given before committing to a full season with Darnold under center.

Projected stats with the Vikings: (5 games) 857 passing yards with 6 touchdowns and 5 interceptions

Option 5: Kirk Cousins

While I don’t consider myself a “Kirk hater,” I must admit that this option ranks lowest on my list of preferences. Let’s delve into why.

First and foremost, there are some glaring red flags surrounding Cousins. At 36 years old and fresh off an Achilles tear, his durability and longevity in the league are legitimate concerns. Add to that his persistent demand for top-dollar compensation, and it’s difficult to justify investing further in a player whose best years may be behind him.

Reflecting on the past six years with Cousins, it’s evident that the marriage between him and the Vikings hasn’t yielded the desired results. Despite high hopes and hefty investments, our postseason success has been limited, with just two playoff appearances and no advancement beyond the divisional round to show for it. It’s fair to say that Cousins hasn’t quite lived up to the lofty expectations set upon his arrival.

Perhaps the most glaring issue with retaining Cousins is the financial burden it places on the team. His exorbitant salary demands would undoubtedly eat into precious cap space that could otherwise be allocated to addressing pressing needs across the roster. In essence, paying Cousins top dollar would hinder our ability to bolster other positions of need, potentially stunting the team’s overall growth and competitiveness.

In conclusion, while bringing back Cousins may offer a sense of familiarity, it’s unlikely to yield substantially different results. If anything, it may exacerbate existing challenges and limit our flexibility to address critical areas of improvement. As such, pursuing alternative options appears to be the more prudent course of action for the Minnesota Vikings.

Projected stats with the Vikings: (18 games) 4,200 passing yards with 30 touchdowns and 11 interceptions