2016 Minnesota Vikings positional evaluation: Quarterbacks
By Adam Carlson
Overall quarterback evaluation
In the grand picture of things, the Minnesota Vikings made the right move in making the trade for Sam Bradford. The team was coming off an encouraging season that ended in disappointment, but was poised to contend for the division and the playoffs once again.
With Sam Bradford at the helm, the team actually had a chance at going further than the Wild Card round of the playoffs, but injuries around him on offense made it difficult for the quarterback to live up to his full potential this season.
Next year should be a bit different. The Vikings focus should be improving the offensive line in the offseason, as well as figuring out what to do with free agent wide receivers and running back Adrian Peterson, all of which could have a major impact on the team’s offense.
But, at least for now, it looks like the plan for Minnesota should be to have Sam Bradford as the team’s starting quarterback for 2017. The quarterbacks behind him should be Teddy Bridgewater and Taylor Heinicke, but if Bridgewater is still unable to go or something happens with Heinicke, veteran Shaun Hill is a decent option to manage a game or two.
Overall quarterback grade for 2016: B
Next: Is Teddy Bridgewater the QB the Vikings need?
What did you think of the performances of these quarterbacks? Are the grades fair? Do you project a different group of passers for the team during the 2017 NFL season? Let us know in the comments below. Up next in this series, the Minnesota Vikings running backs will be evaluated.