4 mistakes the Vikings must not make in 2021 free agency

Don’t overpay for a backup QB

Kirk Cousins is normally a scapegoat for the Vikings’ failings, that is just the nature of the beast. However, the level of production generated by Cousins following the bye week last season was superb and it’s something the team can definitely build on with at least some continuity on offense following the promotion of Klint Kubiak to offensive coordinator.

One element of Cousins’ game that really benefits the Vikings is his durability. He’s missed just one start in Minnesota since arriving from the Washington Football Team in 2018 and although the veteran still has his skeptics, there won’t be a better option available on the free-agent market this year.

Getting a backup that can contribute in the event Cousins does get hurt is still a possibility. Sean Mannion hasn’t shown he is capable of becoming an NFL starter from the brief glimpses we’ve seen of him. So an upgrade to the primary backup slot would ensure momentum won’t be lost if the No. 1 option isn’t able to go at any stage.

However, considering the pressing needs elsewhere and little in the way of cash to spend, overpaying for a No. 2 passer would be a big mistake. The Vikings have plenty of draft picks to use on a target of their choosing who can fill the role while learning from Cousins. So this would be the cheapest solution to the problem in the event Mannion doesn’t come back.

If Minnesota had more in the way of financial resources available, they could perhaps look at a veteran in free agency. But this is simply not the case right now.