2023 NFL quarterback analysis: Minnesota Vikings
Current starter: Kirk Cousins | Current backups: Nick Mullens, Josh Rosen
State of the position: Cousins has been the model of consistency since joining the Vikings in 2018, averaging more than 4,000 yards and 30 touchdown passes per season with three Pro Bowl selections. He’s also started 80 of 82 games over that span.
The highlight of the year presumably came in Week 15's 39-36 overtime win over the Indianapolis Colts. He completed 34 of 54 passes for 460 yards, four touchdowns and two interceptions as he led Minnesota back from the largest deficit in NFL history (33 points).
Next season will mark the first time in his five campaigns with the Vikings that Cousins will have the same offensive coordinator in consecutive years.
Under contract for one more year — although he could be extended before the start of the season — Cousins will be 35 by the time next season starts. Both Mullen's and Rosen’s deals expire this year, and one could likely be re-signed as the backup in 2023.
Don’t rule out Minnesota drafting a young QB to possibly develop beyond 2023. Perhaps Stanford’s Tanner McKee, Tennessee’s Hendon Hooker, Fresno State’s Jake Haener or BYU’s Jaren Hall will be in the mix.
Key stat: Cousins’ three 300-yard games this year are his fewest in a season in his five years as the Vikings' starting QB.
2023 QB forecast: Cousins is firmly entrenched as Minnesota’s starter, and barring an injury, he appears to be head coach Kevin O’Connell’s guy. He’s had 4,000 or more passing yards in four of the last five years. With Justin Jefferson, Adam Thielen and T.J. Hockenson returning next year, there’s no reason to expect his offensive production to fall off.
Mullens, who didn’t play in 2022, is just 27 years old with 17 games of starting experience. He had two seasons of 2,200 passing yards or more and double-digit touchdown passes during his time in San Francisco.
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