Vikings Pursue Chargers’ QB Justin Herbert at Combine: Report

Before the Minnesota Vikings parted ways with Kirk Cousins, signed Sam Darnold or brought in JJ McCarthy, there was hope for a Justin Herbert signing.

In a July 19 article, ESPN’s Kevin Seifert detailed the Vikings’ midseason quarterback moves, reporting that general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah broached the subject of trading Herbert when it appeared Cousins ​​would become a free agent.

The Vikings’ succession plan for Cousins ​​has been in the works for years, as he enters this season at age 36. However, no one in the building wants Cousins ​​back more than head coach Kevin O’Connell, Seifert said.

But convincing Cousins ​​to stay while the Vikings used a first-round pick on a future quarterback was the wrong decision by Cousins.

Then they approached the Los Angeles Chargers, who were undergoing a regime change with Jim Harbaugh at the helm, during the draft prior to the free-agent draft.

“The Chargers inquired about Herbert’s availability at the draft,” Seifert wrote. “It’s the kind of decision many NFL teams make when their front office changes. Adofo-Mensah worked with new Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh when they were both with the 49ers from 2013-14 and knew Harbaugh liked a run-based offense. The Chargers didn’t want to move Herbert, but the Vikings’ interest signaled to league observers that Cousins ​​was available.”

Vikings and Cousins ​​split over contract structure, leading to Herbert trade request

GettyJustin Herbert #10 of the Los Angeles Chargers.

While the Vikings told Cousins ​​they planned to select a quarterback in this year’s draft, there was also division over the structure of his contract, which ultimately led to his move to the Atlanta Falcons.

Cousins ​​said the next contract structure is most important to him, while the Vikings hope to gain more flexibility as Adofo-Mensah continues to build out the roster.

The problem lies in the guaranteed money in the contract, which the Vikings know they can’t commit to Cousins ​​long-term, especially if they’re building off a rookie contract.

Herbert would cost more on the payroll than Cousins ​​and would limit Adofo-Mensah’s spending in free agency. He signed a five-year, $262.5 million contract extension in July 2023.

However, the Vikings have a franchise quarterback who will stay with them for the long term, with a coaching staff responsible for developing talent through the draft to make the team a real contender.

Vikings roster revamped for McCarthy era

GettyJJ McCarthy #9 of the Minnesota Vikings.

Cousins’ final years in Minnesota were plagued by a porous defense, something the Vikings immediately fixed in free agency with the salary cap space they gained after moving Cousins.

The Vikings signed cornerbacks Jonathan Greenard and Andrew Van Ginkel to replace Danielle Hunter and also signed cornerback Blake Cashman. They are all among the top 100 free agents, according to Pro Football Focus’ 2024 rankings.

This is the first season that Adofo-Mensah has made his mark on the squad, having spent the past two seasons playing with Mike Zimmer’s stars.

With these moves, the Vikings’ timetable for competing has become clearer.

The future of the offense looks bright with multiple Pro Bowl catchers and a top-10 offensive line. The defense is poised to take a step forward in Year 2, with Brian Flores talking about multiple additions this offseason.

McCarthy was the final piece of the jigsaw and O’Connell saw the midfielder as the man to lead the team.