Vikings trade for rocket scientist who could prevent team from crash landing

"As news got around that an NFL QB engineer's here, I grew a little popularity, so different people from across the space center were pulling me [in different departments]," Dobbs told Michael DiRocco of ESPN in 2020. "It was an all-encompassing experience that started from a small subset and just grew as my time there went along."

He also believes the experience taught him more about football.

"To see the dynamics, and it is kind of good to see them not in your everyday world of football. You're able to see them in a different light," Dobbs said. "So you're able to kind of rewire your mind to be able to apply those concepts to the football world."

Since Dobbs is bright, it's unsurprising that the former fourth-round pick has latched onto several teams. In seven seasons, the 28-year-old has been with six franchises, mostly as a backup.

In eight starts with the Cardinals in 2023, he completed 62.8 percent of his passes, posted an 81.2 passer rating and threw eight TDs and five interceptions.

His numbers might improve under an offensive-minded coach like Minnesota's Kevin O'Connell. So this is a wise move for the Vikings (4-4), who needed a veteran presence in their QB room. Minnesota's starter, Kirk Cousins, suffered a torn left Achilles in a 24-10 win over the Green Bay Packers on Sunday, ending his season.

On Tuesday, O'Connell said rookie QB Jaren Hall — a fifth-round pick out of BYU — will start in Week 9 against the Atlanta Falcons. However, he's not the answer.

The Athletic's Alec Lewis reported, "Having a rookie start games doesn't align with the team's belief that it can push for a playoff spot." Backup QB Nick Mullens (back) is on injured reserve. If he can't return, it gives Dobbs a good chance to start.

Regardless, it'll be interesting to see where Dobbs' journey will take him, whether it's another NFL team or a second stint at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida.