Vikings make a trade to acquire QB Nick Mullens from the Raiders

The Minnesota Vikings have acquired quarterback Nick Mullens from the Las Vegas Raiders, as the team looks for a long-term backup to Kirk Cousins.

The Minnesota Vikings have may have found their answer at the backup quarterback position. The team acquired Nick Mullens from the Las Vegas Raiders on Monday, sending over a conditional 2024 seventh-round draft pick in return according to NFL Media’s Tom Pelissero.

The Vikings have been rumored to be on the prowl for an additional backup quarterback, and after a less than stellar showing by both Kellen Mond and Sean Mannion in their preseason loss to the San Fransisco 49ers this past Saturday, the team may have found their answer.

Mullens was originally signed as an undrafted free agent by the 49ers in 2017 and he has spent time with the Philadelphia Eagles and Cleveland Browns as well. Now, the 27-year-old will look to find a permanent roster spot in Minnesota.

What the Minnesota Vikings get landing Nick Mullens in a trade with the Las Vegas Raiders

With an extra backup quarterback in the fold, it’s most likely the team elects to cut either Mannion or Mond after the preseason. According to NFL Network’s Ian Rappoport, the seventh-round pick for Mullens will become official should he be active for one game in 2022.

Mannion was the Vikings’ backup quarterback from 2019 to 2020, and the he also returned to the team in 2021 after a brief stint with the Seattle Seahawks. While it may be time to move on from the idea of Mond being the once-hoped quarterback of the future, the former of the two make a much more likely candidate to be cut.

With Minnesota general manager Kwesi-Adofo Mensah having prior experience with the 49ers and Mullens, he knew exactly who he was getting when pursuing a trade for the signal caller. Now, with Mullens in purple and gold, he’ll give head coach Kevin O’Connell and starting quarterback Kirk Cousins insurance for the 2022 season.

It remains to be seen how quickly Mullens will catch on to Minnesota’s offense, but his first chance to potentially showcase his skills will be in Week 3 of the preseason when the team faces the Denver Broncos.