Kyle Sloter aiming to be the Vikings’ backup quarterback in 2019
By Adam Patrick
Heading into his third season with the Minnesota Vikings, the young quarterback says he’s ready to take over as the team’s No. 2 quarterback in 2019.
With the news coming on Wednesday that Trevor Siemian has decided to sign with the New York Jets, the Minnesota Vikings now only have two quarterbacks under contract for next season.
Obviously, Kirk Cousins has two years remaining on his current deal with the Vikings. But the only other signal-caller on Minnesota current roster is Kyle Sloter.
Sloter has been with the Vikings since the beginning of the 2017 season and he’s been the team’s No. 3 quarterback for the majority of his tenure in the Twin Cities. But with Siemian now gone, the young signal-caller seems poised to take over as Cousins’ backup next season.
Speaking with the Pioneer Press’ Chris Tomasson recently, Sloter expressed his desire to become Minnesota’s No. 2 quarterback in 2019.
"“As far as the backup job, I’m more than ready to do it. I’ve been ready I feel like, for awhile. For one reason or another, (the Vikings) have kept me in the role that I’ve been in and that’s their decision.’’"
Sloter has shown flashes of promise during his time on the field in each of the last two preseasons. But Minnesota has still opted to go with a veteran backup instead of him for the last two years.
Based on the talent level of some of the veteran quarterbacks that are still available in free agency, there is no reason for the Vikings not to give Sloter the opportunity to be their backup in 2019.
Given that Kevin Stefanski is now Minnesota’s offensive coordinator, perhaps this will help the young quarterback’s chances of becoming the team’s No. 2 guy next season. As the Vikings’ quarterbacks coach in 2017 and 2018, Stefanski is likely more familiar with Sloter’s abilities than anyone on the team’s current staff.
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The opening behind Cousins is currently there for the taking. It’s now up to Sloter to prove to Minnesota this offseason that he is the right choice for the job.