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Vikings to Draft Kirk Cousins' Replacement in 2026

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Monday, February 16th 2026 at 8:50 GMT by Sporting News
      Locales: Minnesota, Illinois, UNITED STATES

Minneapolis, MN - February 16th, 2026 - The Minnesota Vikings, riding high from a surprising 2025 playoff run, are already turning their attention to the future of the quarterback position. With veteran Kirk Cousins entering the final year of his contract and approaching his 36th birthday, the prevailing expectation is that the team will utilize its first-round pick in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft to select his long-term replacement. The decision isn't about a lack of current performance from Cousins, who remains a capable signal-caller, but rather a pragmatic approach to proactive succession planning and securing the franchise's future.

The 2025 season saw Cousins continue to demonstrate his proficiency, defying age-related decline. However, the financial realities of the NFL, coupled with the Vikings' desire to build a sustainable contender, strongly suggest a changing of the guard is imminent. Re-signing Cousins to another lucrative contract feels increasingly unlikely, particularly given the need to allocate resources to other crucial positions and address burgeoning contracts across the roster. While a short-term extension isn't entirely off the table, it would likely only delay the inevitable and potentially limit the team's flexibility in future offseasons.

Drafting a quarterback in the first round allows the Vikings to avoid the perils of immediate desperation at the position. The ideal scenario involves selecting a prospect who can spend a year or two learning the nuances of the NFL game, observing Cousins (should he remain for that period), and gradually integrating into the starting role. This developmental approach minimizes the risk of throwing a raw rookie into the deep end and maximizes their potential for long-term success. The premium nature of the quarterback position necessitates a high draft pick - the team recognizes that a franchise quarterback is worth the investment.

Scouting the 2026 QB Class: Early Contenders

The 2026 draft class is shaping up to be particularly strong at the quarterback position, offering the Vikings a diverse range of options. Several names are already generating significant buzz among scouts and analysts:

• Barclay Davies (Oregon): Davies is drawing comparisons to a more athletic Russell Wilson. His exceptional arm strength is complemented by impressive mobility, making him a genuine dual-threat quarterback capable of extending plays and picking up yards with his legs. Scouts are particularly impressed with his ability to make throws on the run and his competitive fire.
• Quinn Ewers (Texas): Ewers embodies the classic pocket passer archetype. Possessing ideal size, a powerful arm, and excellent accuracy, he excels at reading defenses and delivering the ball with precision. Some analysts, however, question his ability to create plays outside of the pocket.
• Jaxson Dart (Ole Miss): Dart is a dynamic playmaker known for his improvisational skills and ability to generate explosive plays. While his decision-making can be inconsistent at times, his talent is undeniable. He represents a higher-risk, higher-reward prospect.

Exploring Trade-Down Scenarios

The Vikings aren't necessarily locked into selecting a quarterback at their current draft position (currently projected to be around pick 12). If the top-tier quarterbacks are unexpectedly off the board, or if the team feels comfortable with the depth of the class, they could explore trading down to acquire additional draft capital. A trade down would allow them to address other needs on the roster while still potentially landing a promising quarterback later in the first round or early in the second.

The team's general manager has indicated a willingness to be flexible and evaluate all options. "We're going to be thorough in our evaluation of the quarterback class," he stated in a recent press conference. "We're open to all possibilities, including trading up, trading down, or simply staying put and taking the best player available."

Beyond the Draft: Long-Term Implications

The selection of a young quarterback represents more than just a roster move; it signals a fundamental shift in the Vikings' organizational philosophy. It's a commitment to building a sustainable franchise built around a core of young, talented players. The next few years will be crucial as the Vikings navigate this transition period, balancing the desire to remain competitive with the need to develop their future franchise quarterback. The success of this strategy hinges not only on the player they select but also on the quality of coaching and mentorship they provide. The pressure will be on to find a quarterback who can fill the sizable shoes of Kirk Cousins and lead the Vikings to consistent playoff contention for years to come.