Vikings 2019: Way too early 53-man roster projection
By Chris Schad
Quarterbacks (3)
- Starter: Kirk Cousins
- Backups: Kyle Sloter, Jake Browning
Despite some wishful thinking by some, Kirk Cousins will return as the starter for the Vikings in the 2019 season. With a $29 million cap hit, that’s just the reality of the situation. However, this could also be a contract year for the 31-year-old signal caller despite having the 2020 season in his back pocket. With the improvements that have been made throughout the offseason, this could be the year that depends if Cousins is out the door sooner or later.
The more intriguing battle here will take place between the quarterbacks behind Cousins. Cult hero Kyle Sloter is seen by many to be the favorite to back up Cousins in 2019, but all he has to his resume is a couple of nice fourth quarters in the preseason. Because of that, the Minnesota Vikings signed Sean Mannion to compete with Sloter as well as giving UDFA Jake Browning the largest guarantee for an undrafted player in league history.
For now, Sloter seems to have the best chance of making the roster because of his time with the Minnesota Vikings and his preseason track record. If he does what he has in the past, Sloter should be able to dispatch Mannion and hold off the inconsistent Browning.