New Report Reveals Minnesota Vikings’ Change Of Plans At QB After Losing Out On Baker Mayfield Sweepstakes

Kirk Cousins and Baker Mayfield walking off field after game.MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – SEPTEMBER 10: Kirk Cousins #8 of the Minnesota Vikings walks off the field after talking with Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after the Buccaneers defeated the Vikings, 20-17, at U.S. Bank Stadium on September 10, 2023 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Adam Bettcher/Getty Images)

On Sunday afternoon, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers re-signed Mayfield for $100 million over three years. According to The Athletic’s Dianna Russini, the Vikings and Atlanta Falcons were both “keeping an eye on” Mayfield before he re-signed with Tampa.

Additionally, Russini reported that the Vikings are “continuing to try” and retain Cousins.

Earlier this week, it was reported that Cousins is planning to move his family to Atlanta. That’s clearly a strong indicator that his preference is to join the Falcons, so Minnesota will probably have to significantly outbid Atlanta to retain the four-time Pro Bowler.

If the Vikings aren’t able to retain Cousins, they could always eye a cheaper option in free agency like Ryan Tannehill, Russell Wilson or Sam Darnold. Justin Fields of the Chicago Bears is the top QB available the trade market, though it’s unclear if they’d trade him within the division.

The Vikings also hold the No. 11 selection in the 2024 NFL Draft and could use it on a second-tier QB prospect like Michigan’s J.J. McCarthy or Oregon’s Bo Nix.