5 potential starting QB options for the Minnesota Vikings in 2023

Jimmy Garoppolo

This would be a little underwhelming if the Minnesota Vikings had no choice other than to move on from Kirk Cousins. But Jimmy Garoppolo is a proven winner that could be a nice short-term option depending on whether he’ll be out of contract or not next spring.

Although the San Francisco 49ers were reportedly fielding trade calls for Garoppolo after giving up the earth for Trey Lance at No. 3 overall in 2021, nothing has materialized as yet. John Lynch and Kyle Shanahan are moving forward with the belief that the former second-round pick will be on the team and potentially even starting if the North Dakota State product doesn’t show enough.

This could be a ploy to keep the asking price relatively high if a team like the Carolina Panthers or Seattle Seahawks come calling. There is even a chance Lance won’t be ready to assume command under center.

Regardless of which way this plays out, Garoppolo is set to hit the market in 2023 and seems like a good scheme fit in Minnesota. He’s already proven capable of producing the goods behind a stout offensive line and with quality running backs, something the Vikings undoubtedly possess.

One could argue that this is a sideways or worse move in the event Cousins is removed from the equation. Garoppolo may have played in a Super Bowl and high-end playoff games, but the clear limitations are there for all to see.