12 March 2024 , 07:00
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The Minnesota Vikings are on the hunt for a new quarterback after Kirk Cousins confirmed his move to the Atlanta Falcons.
Cousins has put pen to paper on a four-year deal with the Falcons, joining a strong offensive team under the guidance of new playcaller Zac Robinson.
This move gives other NFL teams a clearer idea of what they need to do to fill their own quarterback positions. Now that the Falcons have secured their starting quarterback, the Vikings, New England Patriots, Washington Commanders, Denver Broncos and Las Vegas Raiders are all still searching for a new passer this offseason.
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Mirror Sport has taken a look at the quarterbacks who are most affected by Cousins' move to Atlanta:
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Sam Darnold is on the market as a free agent after spending time with San Francisco (Brandon Sloter/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)Sam Darnold (free agent)
The Vikings might consider replacing Cousins with Darnold, who they've reportedly been interested in for a while.
Darnold is currently a free agent after spending the 2023 season as a backup with the San Francisco 49ers, and he's likely to attract attention from teams looking for a starting quarterback to potentially compete with a rookie. He showed great leadership skills behind Brock Purdy this past season, which has boosted his stock.
The Vikings are rumoured to be in talks with Darnold following the news of Cousins' departure, and a deal could be on the cards.
Darnold might not be the long-term starter unless he shines this season. Even if they sign him, the Vikings might move up the draft board to pick a quarterback.
Gardner Minshew (free agent)
Minshew stepped in for Anthony Richardson last season after a nasty injury, and his performance was good enough to earn him a Pro Bowl spot.
With an impressive 59-24 touchdown to interception ratio, Minshew has perhaps earned the chance to try out as a starter, and there are still several openings available.
The Patriots reportedly showed interest in Minshew during the Bill Belichick-era, and they could revive that to bring him in alongside a rookie after cutting ties with Mac Jones.
JJ McCarthy has declared for the NFL Draft (Getty Images)Bo Nix, Michael Penix Jr and JJ McCarthy (NFL Draft)
At this point, it seems likely that Caleb Williams, Drake Maye and Jayden Daniels will be taken in the top three picks, which are currently held by the Bears, Commanders and Patriots but could still be traded.
Now that the Falcons have signed Cousins, the three quarterbacks above know that the Falcons are no longer in the running for them - likely leaving all three to impress the Broncos and Raiders among trade-up candidates from the 11th and 12th picks, respectively.
All three prospects have been tipped by experts to join either team, and will now undergo interviews to win them over. However, after losing Cousins, the Vikings may also be considering drafting a new quarterback.
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