Minnesota Vikings want Kirk Cousins back for 2024 NFL season but target rival’s back-up as QB considers his options

The Minnesota Vikings have reportedly identified a potential quarterback target if they fail to resign Kirk Cousins, with their sights set on Sam Darnold, 26 – who’s just missed out on a Super Bowl ring.

Cousins, 35, has been nursing an Achilles injury since October.

But the Vikings are hoping to bring the veteran passer back, NFL insider Tom Pelissero reported before Sunday’s Super Bowl.

“They would like to resign Kirk Cousins who is set to become a free agent in March,” Peliserro said.

“But my anticipation is Cousins will have a strong market, even at age 35 coming off a torn Achilles.

“Minnesota is examining all options in the event that Cousins ends up landing elsewhere.”

The Vikings don’t have much time to sign Cousins to a contract extension with the final four years of his contract voiding on March 13, the final day of the league year.

The deadline comes after the franchise tag window, meaning they place the franchise tag on the ex-Michigan State standout to keep him, per ESPN.

Pelissero said that Darnold, who served as San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy’s backup in Super Bowl LVIII, would be an option for Minnesota if Cousins leaves the team.

The NFL insider suggested the Vikings see the former No. 3 overall pick following the redemption path of Baker Mayfield, who rejuvenated his career after signing with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last year.

“Hope that veteran becomes this year’s Baker Mayfield, while also buying them time to develop a rookie quarterback,” the NFL insider said.

Darnold spent his first three years in the NFL with the New York Jets before they traded him to the Carolina Panthers in 2021.

The following season, the ex-University of Southern California star lost the starting quarterback job for the first time in his career.

In 2023, he signed a one-year deal with the 49ers and made 10 appearances for the Super Bowl-bound San Francisco, including one start.

Darnold threw for 297 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception during the campaign.

The 49ers lost 25-22 to the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday after an overtime thriller at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.