The Minnesota Vikings had one of the best records in the NFL throughout the 2022 season. They were one of the first times to clinch a division title, running away with the NFC North with a 13-4 record. Despite that, there weren’t many people that saw them as a legitimate contender once the playoffs rolled around.
All of those naysayers that questioned just how good the Vikings were during the regular season were proven correct. All season the Vikings had found success in one-score games, going 11-0. That luck promptly ran out when they needed it most.
Minnesota welcomed the New York Giants to town during Super Wild Card Weekend and they were promptly eliminated, losing 31-24. It was a disappointing end to the first season under head coach Kevin O’Connell that provided so many positives.
This offseason the focus of the front office will be on upgrading the defense. That unit hemorrhaged yardage and points at an alarming rate all season, as the methodical Giants had two of their most explosive performances against them this season.
Improving on that side of the ball will certainly help their long-term outlook, but a former NFL executive that spoke to NFL Analysis Network believes a quarterback change is what would put them over the top. The executive suggested Minnesota as a dark horse landing spot for free agent, Tom Brady.
“I know the Raiders and Dolphins are the two most talked about. The 49ers are another possible destination, but they have Brock Purdy now. Watch out for the Vikings. Replacing Kirk Cousins with Brady would make them an actual legitimate threat to win the Super Bowl.”
Kirk Cousins had another very good season with the Vikings, completing 65.9 percent of his passes for 4,547 yards and 29 touchdowns, but he did throw 14 interceptions with three fumbles lost. With only one season remaining on his contract, Minnesota could be looking into alternative options at the quarterback position beginning this season.
Brady would certainly be a splash acquisition for the Vikings and he would thrive in this offense. Any quarterback would find success throwing passes to Justin Jefferson with complementary players in Adam Thielen, K.J. Osborn and tight end T.J. Hockenson. Dalvin Cook remains one of the better running backs in the league as well.
However, if the Vikings are going to make a move at the quarterback position, a long-term option is likely what they would opt for. Turning 46 this year, it can be argued that going all-in on Brady would set the franchise back as this roster is still a few pieces away from being legitimate Super Bowl contenders.
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