6 recently cut free agents the Vikings might explore
By Dustin Baker
4. Matt Moore (QB)
Admittedly, a lot of moving parts would need locomotion for this signing to occur. Minnesota has two quarterbacks — with two additional ones likely headed to the practice squad.
The Minnesota Vikings front office does not seem to know it needs a more game-ready option for its backup quarterback position. The current reservist signal-caller is Sean Mannion. Perhaps he could surprise everyone with competence should Kirk Cousins miss time to injury. But it would have to be a full metamorphosis for Mannion. He’s been in the league for five years and has never thrown a touchdown pass.
Matt Moore has. He’s thrown 49. Minnesota saw precisely what Moore would bring to the table when he guided the Chiefs to victory over the Vikings last season. Moore has never played a full 16-game season, but that is not what Minnesota needs. His resumé reads like that of a perfect backup quarterback — a savvy veteran that can win games in a pinch. Since 2007, he has done so with the Carolina Panthers, Miami Dolphins, and most recently, the Chiefs.
He does not have Kirk Cousins’ talent, but that’s not a requirement. All he needs to exude is an aura of leadership and confidence if his number is called. He has done that; Mannion has not, as of yet.