Ex-GM Rick Spielman predicts scary QB scenario for Vikings

The Minnesota Vikings have found themselves in a challenging situation at the quarterback position following the departure of Kirk Cousins, who signed a three-year deal with the Atlanta Falcons during free agency. Cousins spent four seasons with the Vikings, leading them to the playoffs twice, but ultimately failed to guide them to a Super Bowl appearance.

With Cousins gone, the Vikings' current quarterback room consists of Sam Darnold, Nick Mullens, and rookie Kellen Mond, who was drafted in the third round of the 2021 NFL Draft out of Texas A&M University.

Darnold, who was the third overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft by the New York Jets, has had an up-and-down career thus far. He started 39 games for the Jets before being traded to the Carolina Panthers last season. In his time with the Panthers, he showed some improvement but ultimately was benched in favor of PJ Walker.

Mullens, on the other hand, has spent time with both the San Francisco 49ers and the Vikings. He filled in admirably for an injured Jimmy Garoppolo during the 2019 season, leading the 49ers to a 4-1 record as a starter. However, he struggled mightily when given the opportunity to start again in 2020 and was eventually benched.

As for Kellen Mond, he will be entering his first season in the NFL and will need time to develop before being ready to take on a starting role.

Former Vikings General Manager Rick Spielman, who was responsible for bringing Cousins to Minnesota, recently expressed his concerns about the team's current quarterback situation during an interview on KFAN 100.3 FM.

"I think it's going to be a scary situation for the Vikings," Spielman said. "They're going to have to rely on either Sam Darnold or Nick Mullens or Kellen Mond to step up and be their starter. And I think it's going to be a tough year for them if they don't address that position."

Spielman's comments highlight the uncertainty surrounding the Vikings' quarterback situation as they head into the 2021 season. With no clear-cut starter on the roster, the team may be forced to rely on one of their current options or look to make a move to acquire an experienced quarterback before the season begins.

In summary, the Minnesota Vikings find themselves in a precarious position at the quarterback position following the departure of Kirk Cousins. The current options on the roster include Sam Darnold, Nick Mullens, and rookie Kellen Mond, none of whom have proven to be consistent starters in the NFL. Former GM Rick Spielman has expressed concerns about the team's situation at the position and the potential challenges they may face during the upcoming season.