NFC runner-up changes quarterback
Three Vikings: questions
How will a healthy Dalvin Cook fit in?
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Will QB Kirk Cousins live up to expectations?
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Despite quarterback Case Keenum’s impressive 11-3 record as a starter last season and his role in the Vikings reaching the NFC Championship Game, team officials believed they could do better.
After giving Cousins a threeyear, fully guaranteed $84 million contract, they now feel they have an offense that’s potent enough to make them a legitimate Super Bowl threat.
“Our No. 1 priority going into the offseason was to solidify the quarterback position, and it was a rare and unique opportunity to go out and sign a quarterback of this caliber,” general manager Rick Spielman said.
Cousins has thrown for 4,000 yards and at least 25 touchdowns in each of the past three seasons, but he did so in a different offense. He’ll take advantage of every offseason rep to help gain comfort with his new coaches and teammates, which include top wide receivers Stefon Diggs and Adam Thielen.
“When you take a look at the offense, I could go on — and I’d probably leave someone out if I named them all — again, it’s a testament to the leadership of this organization with the way they’ve drafted, the way they’ve handled free agency, the way they’ve structured things,” Cousins said.
The 2017 second-round pick got off to an impressive start last year, but Cook suffered an anterior cruciate ligament tear and missed the final 12 games of the season. The Vikings relied on Latavius Murray (eight touchdowns, 3.9 yards per carry) and Jerick McKinnon (three touchdowns, 3.8 yards per carry) to keep the rushing game going.
However, with Cook expected to return to full strength, Minnesota is getting a legitimate game-changer back, which help makes an already solid offense more explosive.
Which young defenders will step up?
Minnesota’s other big get of free agency was defensive lineman Sheldon Richardson.
The sixth-year pro is expected to help further strengthen an already impressive defensive front, which limited teams to 83.6 rushing yards per game and 15.8 points per game.
However, the Vikings hope to see some of the younger, homegrown talent flourish this season.
Terence Newman is back for another year but will turn 40 in September, so third-year veteran Mackensie Alexander could see more work in nickel packages. First-round cornerback Mike Hughes could also make an early impact.
“He can play as a corner but also the unique traits he has as our potential returner as well,” Spielman told reporters.