Vikings Positioned to Pounce With $180 Million QB on ‘Clear Path’ to Free Agency
The Minnesota Vikings have seen this movie play out before.
They were in a similar situation last season with Kirk Cousins, disagreeing on terms of a new contract. So as the Dallas Cowboys continue to navigate Dak Prescott’s contract situation, Vikings brass should be keeping a watchful eye.
Prescott is on track to play out the final year of his four-year, $160 million contract without an extension.
“The #Cowboys and QB Dak Prescott have a mutual understanding of his contract situation, sources say, with no offers from Dallas despite him being in a contract year,” NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported on X on March 26. “No indication a deal is coming.
“This appears to clears [sic] the path for Dak Prescott to test free agency in 2025.”
That could be wonderful news for the Vikings. They are not in a position to land one of the top rookie passers in the 2024 draft barring a significant trade.
Their interest in the next tier of passers in the class is unclear. Meanwhile, 2024 free-agency acquisition Sam Darnold is a stopgap option, though Head Coach Kevin O’Connell expressed confidence in him.
Prescott, 30, led the NFL in touchdown passes (36) and completions (410) last season, completing a career-high 69.5% of his throws for 4,516 yards. The NFL’s third-leading passer last season, he also completed the longest pass of the campaign for a 92-yard touchdown.
Spotrac projects the Vikings to have the fifth-most cap space in the NFL at $104.6 million.
The New England Patriots – who lead the way with $411.5 million in cap space next offseason – Detroit Lions, Washington Commanders, and Los Angeles Chargers all project to have more.
New England and Washington can land their respective future quarterbacks in this year’s draft. The Chargers have Justin Herbert in place and the Lions can argue Jared Goff’s postseason success makes him a better option.
That could still leave the Vikings in a potential position of strength.
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