3 things the Vikings can learn from the Chiefs’ Super Bowl journey
By Adam Patrick
Draft a young quarterback with a high pick
After helping lead the Chiefs to the playoffs in three of his four years with the team, Alex Smith headed into the 2017 offseason with an eye on getting the franchise to the AFC Championship or beyond.
The veteran quarterback didn’t put up spectacular numbers during his first four seasons in Kansas City, but the team’s offensive scheme didn’t require him to be the focal point of the unit. Smith got the job done and he typically made few mistakes.
He was good enough under center, but the Chiefs eventually came to their senses and knew he wasn’t going to be the guy to lead them to a championship. So in the 2017 NFL Draft, Kansas City made a decision that would eventually change the fate of the franchise.
Seeing the potential to select a once in a lifetime quarterback, the Chiefs sent two first-round picks and a third-round selection to the Buffalo Bills to move up to the 10th overall pick. With their new selection, Kansas City drafted former Texas Tech signal-caller Patrick Mahomes.
It was a bold move made by the Chiefs, but one that was needed. Mahomes eventually replaced Smith as Kansas City’s starting quarterback in 2018 and on Sunday he was the MVP of Super Bowl LIV.
Currently, the Vikings are in a situation where they have to figure out if they want to extend the contract of Kirk Cousins or let him enter the 2020 season with just one year left on his current deal.
Minnesota backed up the Brinks truck for Cousins two years ago and it’s only resulted in one playoff win. He’s shown that he’s a talented quarterback, but is he the guy who the Vikings think can take them to the promised land?
If Minnesota wants to take a page out of the Chiefs’ recent playbook, they will use an early-round draft pick on a new signal-caller this year and have him sit behind Cousins next season. Then when Cousins’ deal is up in 2021, the Vikings can insert their young passer as their new starter under center.
Is Minnesota willing to take a chance on drafting a potential franchise savior or will they just continue to roll with a veteran quarterback who hasn’t really experienced any more success in his NFL career than Alex Smith?