The Minnesota Vikings have faced numerous challenges with their quarterback situation this offseason, setting the stage for a potentially transformative move in the near future. The team’s plans have not unfolded as expected, creating an opportunity for a significant change by the end of the season. One of the most intriguing possibilities involves the Vikings pursuing Dallas Cowboys Pro Bowl quarterback Dak Prescott if he becomes an unrestricted free agent.
Dak Prescott’s future with the Cowboys is uncertain, primarily due to the team’s reluctance to offer him a substantial multiyear contract. If Prescott does reach free agency, he will attract significant interest from several teams around the league. The Vikings are likely to be strong contenders for his services, provided their quarterback situation does not drastically improve over the next 18 weeks.
Currently, the Vikings have Sam Darnold as their starting quarterback on a one-year contract. This season is a critical opportunity for Darnold to demonstrate he has the capability to be a starting quarterback in the NFL. Selected as the No. 3 overall pick in the 2018 draft, Darnold has struggled to live up to expectations and has been labeled a disappointment throughout his career.
ESPN’s Seth Walder predicts that while Darnold might have his best season yet with the Vikings, it won’t be sufficient to secure his position beyond this year. Walder anticipates that Darnold will have improved metrics compared to his past performances but still fall short of being a top-tier quarterback.
The combination of playing in Kevin O’Connell’s offense and having strong offensive weapons may help Darnold’s stats, but his long-standing inconsistency will likely prevent him from securing a future starting role.
With J.J. McCarthy out for the season due to injury, the Vikings may enter the offseason without clear answers at quarterback, potentially coming off two losing seasons. This scenario could put both head coach Kevin O’Connell and general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah in precarious positions.
If the team does not secure a top-five draft pick, they may need to rely on McCarthy or seek a more immediate solution in free agency. Given Prescott’s potential availability, he could be the top choice for the Vikings if he hits the market, with his projected market value set at $55.1 million annually over four years.
