Vikings expected to continue with an underwhelming backup QB in 2021
By Adam Patrick
There is reportedly a “good chance” the Minnesota Vikings will re-sign Sean Mannion to be their backup quarterback again for next season.
During his three seasons as the starting quarterback for the Minnesota Vikings, Kirk Cousins has never been forced to miss a game due to injury.
Cousins has been very durable during most of his NFL career and this has certainly played a part in him putting up above-average passing numbers during the last few years.
Even though an injury hasn’t caused him to miss a game since he signed with the Vikings in 2018, he’s definitely taken his share of hits from opposing defenses. Minnesota is apparently hoping Cousins’ durability continues next season as the spot below him on the quarterback depth chart doesn’t seem like it will feature anyone new.
Will the Minnesota Vikings re-sign Sean Mannion?
Sean Mannion has been the No. 2 quarterback for the Vikings during the last two seasons. Despite being in the league since the St. Louis Rams selected him in the third round of the 2015 NFL Draft, Mannion still hasn’t thrown a single touchdown pass in his pro career.
Minnesota clearly values something that Mannion brings to the table since they continue to keep him around. He’s scheduled to become a free agent this year and some have wondered if the Vikings will be bringing him back once again.
Unfortunately, it sounds like this is a strong possibility. According to the Pioneer Press’ Chris Tomasson on Thursday, there is a “good chance,” Minnesota re-signs Mannion again this offseason.
In a year where the Vikings could have significantly improved their backup quarterback situation by signing a veteran free-agent such as Tyrod Taylor, Alex Smith, Ryan Fitzpatrick, or Andy Dalton, they would rather head into another season with Mannion as their No. 2 behind Cousins.
Even with Cousins’ lack of injury problems during his career, re-signing Mannion is still a risky decision for Minnesota to make.
Football is one of the most violent sports in the world and careers can drastically change in a split second due to a freak injury (just ask Teddy Bridgewater). There is no guarantee that Cousins will play every game in the 2021 season and if he has to miss time, the Vikings’ offense becomes worthless with Mannion under center.
With the jobs of Mike Zimmer and Rick Spielman on the line in 2021, one would think they would want to make sure Minnesota could still reach the playoffs if Cousins has to miss any time. But by continuing to bring Mannion back, it doesn’t seem like they care who the Vikings No. 2 quarterback will be next season.