Key Takeaways:
– Minnesota Vikings may trade backup QB, Nick Mullens.
– Mullens signed to a $4 million deal in summer 2022, contract concludes this year.
– Situation sparked by the arrival of Sam Darnold and the rising star, J.J. McCarthy.
– Mullens has amassed a career completion percentage of 65.8% and more than 6,300 passing yards.
– Trade could result in valuable draft pick but also involves potential risks.
In the wake of a bustling off-season brimming with quarterback (QB) signings, the Minnesota Vikings may initiate a late-summer trade. This development comes after Minnesota added Sam Darnold to its roster on a one-year contract, presumably to serve as a placeholder for J.J. McCarthy, the 10th overall pick in the NFL draft. The Vikings also invested a fifth-round selection on Jaren Hall in 2023, further stacking the roster’s QB position.
Vikings’ Abundance of Quarterbacks
A surge in quarterbacks on the roster brings about a tantalizing decision for the Vikings, as they find their backup, Nick Mullens, fast turning into a high-trade value asset. Having commenced his role with the team in an injured state, Mullens stepped into the limelight when Kirk Cousins suffered an injury and took over three games, clocking up more than 1,100 passing yards and six touchdown passes. As the regular season approaches, Minnesota might find it wise to use Mullens as a bargaining tool, increasing their future draft capital.
Trading Mullens: Risk and Reward
Contrary to the common adage that there’s no such thing as too many quarterbacks, in the Vikings’ case it may turn into a viable opportunity. Mullens, who joined the Vikings in 2022, alleviated the team’s tumultuous quarterback situation and might now fetch Minnesota some valuable draft capital.
However, as with all trade prospects, potential risks underline the monumental decision. While the team would stand to gain from a prospective late-round pick, letting Mullens go prematurely could backfire if Darnold succumbs to an injury, or if McCarthy is deemed unprepared for the starting role. In such circumstances, the onus would then shift to Hall, a rookie with unimpressive stats.
Long-Term Prospects for the Vikings
The choices made today will undeniably set the stage for a pivotal 2024 season. Living up to expectations, McCarthy’s progress is being monitored under the watchful eyes of head coach Kevin O’Connell, who has no plans to rush the rookie into a starting role. Darnold is expected to put a strong foot forward this season, buying enough time for McCarthy to be prepared for the role and for Hall to develop as a third viable option.
Despite a rocky ending to 2023, where Mullens endured a string of losses, he remains a safe bet for the upcoming season if the team chooses to retain him. The Vikings have reason to be optimistic given their quarterback-heavy lineup. In judiciously playing their cards with Nick Mullens’ potential deal, they could further fortify their future strategic blueprint.
The options are many, and the next move for the Minnesota Vikings will be game-defining. Will they trade their veteran quarterback for a potential draft pick, or stick to the safety of their current roster? Only time will tell.