In a strategic move that might reshape their season, the Minnesota Vikings have acquired a potential solution to their quarterback dilemma.
The Arizona Cardinals have confirmed a deal sending quarterback Joshua Dobbs to the Vikings. Alongside Dobbs, the Cardinals will be dispatching a seventh-round pick to Minnesota, with the Vikings reciprocating with a sixth-rounder.
This pivotal trade, finalized just before Tuesday’s deadline, is a direct reaction to Kirk Cousins’ Achilles tear during the Week 8 triumph over the Green Bay Packers. This injury prematurely concluded the 35-year-old’s season and also marked the last year of his contract. Jaren Hall, the promising fifth-round pick from BYU, stepped in for Cousins during the Packer’s clash. Meanwhile, the seasoned backup, Nick Mullens, remains benched on injured reserve, expected to stay there until at least Week 10. But with Dobbs entering the scene, there might be an unexpected reshuffle. While confirming the trade, Vikings’ head coach Kevin O’Connell articulated plans for Hall to be the starting quarterback in the upcoming clash against the Atlanta Falcons.
Dobbs’ transition to Minnesota follows his surprising demotion from the starting role in Arizona. Even though the Cardinals’ season began with exceeding projections, notably with a victory over the Dallas Cowboys, a downturn ensued with Dobbs under the helm. The Cardinals’ recent five-game losing streak saw Dobbs amass 1,020 yards but with a worrying tally of five interceptions against six touchdowns. Arizona witnessed four of those defeats with margins exceeding ten points. The Cardinals’ head coach, Jonathan Gannon, after previously endorsing Dobbs after their loss to the Baltimore Ravens, had a change of heart after a closer examination of the game, hinting at rookies Clayton Tune or Kyler Murray stepping up.
Cumulatively, for the season, Dobbs boasts 1,569 passing yards, complemented by eight touchdowns and five interceptions.
Minnesota, with their new acquisition, aspires to sustain the momentum they’ve recently generated. After a rocky 1-4 commencement, they’ve managed to string together three consecutive victories, even with their star receiver Justin Jefferson sidelined due to injuries. This includes a monumental win against the San Francisco 49ers on “Monday Night Football.” Now, with a balanced 4-4 record, the Vikings look ahead to a seemingly favorable lineup, as their next five adversaries all possess sub-.500 records.
Further developments on Tuesday revealed that the Vikings have agreed on another trade, sending starting left guard Ezra Cleveland to the Jacksonville Jaguars in exchange for a sixth-round draft pick, as per multiple trusted sources.