Key TakeAways:
– Parker McKinney from Eastern Kentucky University has been invited to the Minnesota Vikings mini camp.
– Despite the depth of their QB roster, the Vikings continue to explore potential additions.
– McKinney holds impressive statistics but still faces hurdles transitioning to the NFL.
– The Vikings quarterback depth chart is crowded with both seasoned and fresh talent.
– Former Vikings QB Kellen Mond finds himself in free agency again.
The Minnesota Vikings appear poised for future advancement. Despite having four capable QBs on their roster, the team’s relentless pursuit for excellence has led them to explore the market for more talent. During their offseason program, the Vikings plan to bring in multiple camp arms to lessen the burden on their current crew.
Eastern Kentucky’s McKinney Heads to Vikings
Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) Football team recently announced on May 7th that their accomplished quarterback, Parker McKinney, has received an invite to the Vikings mini camp. McKinney’s stellar performance instigated this opportunity. He scored 41 touchdowns and threw just eight interceptions in 2022. Though his production dipped slightly last season, his impressive resume maintains his reputation as one of the best FCS QB prospects.
McKinney possesses a quick release and consistent ball placement, which is attributed to his four years of starting at EKU. In 2022, he completed 69% of his passes for 3,956 yards. This dipped slightly to a 63% completion rate with 3,033 yards, 20 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions last season. Nonetheless, his record remains impressive with a career total of 12,751 passing yards and 94 touchdowns, and an impressive ground push as well, scoring 23 times and racking up 1,671 yards. At 6-foot-3, he comes in at the ideal height for a QB, though his 208 pounds indicates a leaner physique. Transitioning to NFL might be a challenge, but a potential-filled one for McKinney.
Navigating Through the Vikings QB Depth Chart
McKinney is joining a busy Vikings QB room that already includes the likes of 2023 trade acquisition Nick Mullens, 2023 fifth-round draft pick Jaren Hall, and newcomers Sam Darnold and J.J. McCarthy. Darnold entered the Vikings domain this offseason with a one-year, $10 million contract. On the other hand, McCarthy was traded up to be the Vikings No. 10 overall pick and holds the Vikings’ hopes for a bright future.
Mullens and Hall might face a potential threat from the incoming talent. Mullens, on a two-year, $2.2 million contract, could be let go with a minimal dead cap hit of $375,000. Similarly, Hall on a four-year, $4.1 million deal, would cost even less. Decisions regarding these players will be an intriguing watch as the camp progresses.
Former Vikings QB Takes Another Stab at Free Agency
In other related news, former Vikings quarterback Kellen Mond has found himself back in free agency after a brief stint with the New Orleans Saints. Despite being the first of four third-round picks in the 2021 draft, Mond was waived in August of 2022. Since then, he has had stints with the Cleveland Browns and Indianapolis Colts. Now with a chance at the free agency, he could have a camp spot waiting for him in Minnesota, a team who recently parted ways with former head coach Mike Zimmer.
As the Vikings continue to evolve and tweak their roster ahead of rookie minicamp, OTAs, and training camp, their chase for excellence is evident. The inclusion of new talent along with nurturing their existing line-up, showcases a promising future for the team.