31 October 2023 , 15:55
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Minnesota Vikings fans are calling on Tom Brady to make a sensational comeback and reverse his retirement yet again to replace Kirk Cousins.
After starting the 2023 NFL season 1-4, the Vikings rattled off three successive wins to move back to .500 with Cousins in inspired form. The quarterback was tied for the NFL lead in touchdown passes while he was near the top of the list for passing yards this season until disaster struck.
While leading the Vikings to an NFC North divisional win over the Green Bay Packers, Cousins went down with a torn Achilles injury. He is now expected to miss the rest of the season, leaving rookie Jaren Hall, an injured Nick Mullens and practice squad veteran Sean Mannion as the available options for the Vikings.
Minnesota, who had turned their season around and were dreaming of a playoff berth that seemed so unlikely just a few weeks ago, are now in limbo. The franchise needs a hero - and fans are calling for Brady.
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The 46-year-old retired back in February after going 8-9 with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2022. While it was a frustrating season for the seven-time Super Bowl champion, Brady still threw for the third-most yards in the NFl last season - more than Cousins.
There are reasons to stay away from the GOAT. In addition to being another year older, Brady’s QBR and touchdown rate were the worst of his career, so perhaps the Vikings should just let him enjoy the next chapter of his life.
But some fans are ignoring the stats, and want Brady in Minnesota purple, with one fan posting on X: “Vikings should send a serious phone call to Tom Brady, otherwise they’re sticking with the rookie rest of the way no reason to trade for a QB.”
Tom Brady has a close relationship with Las Vegas Raiders owner Mark Davis (Getty Images)Who else can the Vikings turn to? The NFL trade deadline is Tuesday 31 October, so any move for Ryan Tannehill (Tennessee Titans), Trey Lance (Dallas Cowboys) or even Kyler Murray (Arizona Cardinals) must be wrapped up quickly.
Options inside the franchise suggest rookie Hall is going to be the guy. The Vikings drafted Hall in the fifth round of the 2023 NFL Draft, and he served as Cousins' backup with Mullens on IR until Week 10.
The Vikings are the seventh seed in the NFC, with a spot in the postseason certainly not beyond their grasp particularly with superstar receiver Justin Jefferson set to return in the foreseeable future. Maybe Brady does answer the call, but it feels incredibly unlikely.
Since retiring, Brady has been looking to buy a minority stake with the Las Vegas Raiders - who slipped to 3-5 after losing to the Detroit Lions. However, the purchase is currently on hold due to other owners around the NFL concerned about the discount the legend is receiving for his stake.
The 4-4 Vikings face the 4-4 Atlanta Falcons in a crucial regular season clash at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Sunday 5 November.