Now that the Aaron Rodgers story has put to bed, the Minnesota Vikings can move forward with J.J. McCarthy as their starting quarterback and move toward realistic choices to add an experienced quarterback. The trade market is out there as a possibility, but there are some famous veterans who are available and have been trapped in limbo by the Rodgers’ issue.
As free agency began rolling on March 10, as relayed by ESPN Vikings’ beat reporter Kevin Seifert, ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky matched a veteran signal caller to the Vikings.
“During ESPN’s free agency special on ESPN2, Dan Orlovsky suggests Jameis Winston as the Vikings’ UFA QB option, presumably if Daniel Jones signs elsewhere.”
Daniel Jones, of course, signed elsewhere, preferring a greater chance to start with the Indianapolis Colts. Orlovsky’s mention of Winston for the Vikings seems uncomfortable at first, but a closer look reveals that it makes a lot of sense–especially now that the Rodgers conjecture has ended.
Jameis Winston has been further validated as a desirable Minnesota Vikings backup target. CBS Sports’ Cody Benjamin has recently paired 10 top free agents with teams, including J.J. McCarthy. He matched Winston and the Vikings.
Carson Wentz is another big-armed journeyman who fits here, especially given his Midwestern upbringing. Winston is a little younger and has more recent starting experience, but Kevin O’Connell would enjoy his aggressive leadership in the same room as the still-developing J.J. McCarthy.”
The mention of Wentz is significant, but Benjamin did not abandon his argument that Winston would be an excellent backup for McCarthy in Minnesota. The once-erratic former No. 1 overall choice (on and off the field) has settled in nicely as a backup and unusual leader during the last few years.
Winston still has a significant element of “YOLO” in his playing style, with 11 of his 12 interceptions coming in four of his seven starts last season with the Browns, as well as three games in which he surpassed 300 yards. However, this just means that he embodies two crucial characteristics of a good backup quarterback: he is entertaining to watch and competent. He also nails a third key quality of being a rookie quarterback’s backup: experience without being a threat to his development.
The Vikings have lots of alternatives as they look to add an experienced quarterback who fits. Winston’s popularity is growing, and properly so.
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