Vikings Likely to Part Ways with Veteran Quarterback Following GM’s Remarks.
In a recent discussion with local media ahead of the NFL Draft, Minnesota Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah left no ambiguity: the Vikings are determined to secure a quarterback in the draft, and this could spell trouble for Nick Mullens.
On April 11, Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report speculated that Mullens might be on his way out if the Vikings opt for a first-round quarterback pick.
Knox wrote, “Should the Vikings go for a quarterback early in the draft, it’s probable that journeyman Nick Mullens will find himself elsewhere. Minnesota recently acquired Sam Darnold as a temporary solution, and they picked up Jaren Hall from BYU in the fifth round of last year’s draft.”
It makes sense for the Vikings to move on from Mullens. Initially seen as the backup to Kirk Cousins, the team might be shifting their offensive strategy to better suit a more mobile quarterback. Darnold, Hall, and any rookie quarterback they draft would likely have an advantage over Mullens in this regard.
The necessity for quarterback depth became apparent last season when the Vikings had to start four different players under center. However, with practice reps being crucial for player development, the Vikings might prioritize giving spots to Hall and the rookie over Mullens.
Despite his veteran status with 20 starts under his belt and a respectable 88.1 career quarterback rating, Mullens may find himself surplus to requirements. As Knox noted, last season highlighted the significance of quarterback depth, with several teams, including the Vikings, facing challenges due to quarterback injuries.
Adofo-Mensah’s comments shed light on the Vikings’ draft plans without revealing their preferred quarterback or draft scenario. He discussed various possibilities, including trading up or waiting to select a quarterback later in the draft, all of which the team seems prepared for.
The Vikings have reportedly met or are scheduled to meet with five of the top six quarterback prospects in this year’s draft. While snagging prospects like Jayden Daniels, Drake Maye, or J.J. McCarthy would be ideal, Adofo-Mensah indicated that they’re not desperate to trade up if the cost is too high, suggesting they might consider quarterbacks like Michael Penix Jr. or Bo Nix outside the top 10.
Adofo-Mensah also highlighted the flexibility provided by the No. 23 pick acquired from a trade with the Houston Texans. This flexibility allows the Vikings to explore various draft strategies, potentially even sticking with their No. 11 pick for another position and securing a quarterback later in the draft.
Despite ongoing discussions about the steep cost of trading up, Adofo-Mensah emphasized the leverage the Vikings have. He suggested that they’re willing to walk away from deals that don’t meet their terms, with the No. 23 pick giving them the freedom to explore alternative trades if necessary. This flexibility has positioned the Vikings as a prominent player in the upcoming draft.
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