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It's been said the NFL is a quarterback-driven league.

The Vikings find themselves in a quarterback-conversation driven offseason.

I expect there to be plenty of thoughts and comments over the next several weeks regarding what the Vikings may or may not do at the position because Kirk Cousins is scheduled to become a free agent on March 13 for the first time since 2018.

Joshua Dobbs' contract is expiring, and he's also scheduled to become a free agent in March.

Nick Mullens' contract runs through 2024, and Jaren Hall just completed the first year on his rookie contract.

Some fans think the Vikings should re-sign Cousins, some set a price they won't cross to do so, some want to start fresh, either by bringing in someone else or using a high draft pick and hoping that selection has C.J. Stroud-like results.

There's plenty for General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and Head Coach Kevin O'Connell to consider as they move through the college all-star game slate and the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine on the way to the first wave of free agency and the draft.

Being an avid Vikings fan, I want to be the Vikings GM for a day. Justin Jefferson and Kirk Cousins are two players in which I believe we can only keep one. Justin, I would offer him a four-year contract for $114.5 million. The breakdown is the following 24.5, 28, 30 and 32 million. I would guarantee 90 million. Justin must sign this contract by March 1, 2024. This way, I would know how much money I would have to spend in free agency. If Justin doesn't sign, then he will play for 19.5 million for the 2024 season.

In regards to Kirk Cousins, he will demand a three-year contract for 110 million guaranteed with a no-trade clause. Therefore, I am saying, 'Thanks, Kirk, for all you have done.' My starting quarterback for the 2024 Vikings will be one of the following three scenarios.

1. I will sign free agent quarterback Jake Browning for three years for 20 million. The breakdown is the following 3, 7 and 10 million. I would guarantee 12 million. I believe Jake would adapt easily in Coach O'Connell's system. He played well this past year filling in for Joe Burrow. The QB rotation would be Browning/Mullens/Hall. This way, we can use our first two draft picks for defensive players.
2. Trading a fifth-round pick for Zach Wilson. He has one year left on his rookie contract. See if a change of scenery will do well for him. I would still draft either [Michael Penix, Jr.] or Bo Nix in the first round. Therefore, my QB rotation would be Wilson/Mullens/Penix or Nix.

3. Draft either Penix or Nix. The QB rotation would be Penix or Nix, Mullens and Hall. My goal here is to create enough cap space to improve the offensive line and defense for 2024. I believe we can still make the playoffs with a 10 and 7 record and move in the right direction for future Super Bowl champions. Go Vikings!

— Steve in Chino Hills, California

By the power vested in me, I've given Steve the opportunity to be "Vikings GM for a Day" *within constraints of the Mailbag.

Figuring out the long-term situation for Jefferson is another element for the Vikings leadership to resolve in the sooner-than-later categories, but the star receiver is under contract for 2024 through the team's fifth-year option that was exercised on the 2020 first-round pick.

Adofo-Mensah described good dialogue continuing between the team and Jefferson's representation just two weeks ago.

We don't know what the Vikings and Cousins were discussing before the 2023 season when the parties postponed the discussion, but there's a good working relationship there, as well.

All that to say, there could be a way that both are back with the Vikings and without completely halting the opportunity to address other spots on the roster.

The current installment of Vikings leadership saw Browning in Cincinnati in Week 15 when he led a Bengals comeback that proved to be the beginning of Minnesota's end for 2023. Since he and Wilson are under contract, and NFL rules prohibit team employees from commenting on players under contract with other squads, I can't weigh-in too much on either of those options.

Penix and Nix accepted invitations to participate in the Reese's Senior Bowl, so all teams will be able to have a closer look at both during three practices (Jan. 30 to Feb. 1) and the Feb. 3 game before gathering more information at the combine and pro days for each that are likely to follow.

I look forward to attending the Senior Bowl practices.

Vikings fan now for 54 years and a believer in "what you can expect going forward is almost always related to what the history shows." I'm sorry to have to share this with all Viking fans but "emotion trumps intelligence."

I love Kirk Cousins (that's my emotional side), but I also know that historically Kirk is not a franchise winning playoff QB (that's my intelligent side). We all must understand/accept that historically (over the last six years) with the Vikings Kirk has only won one playoff game (January 2020).

One playoff win in six years does not make the franchise winning playoff QB that we need/deserve. I know it is hard to not want to believe that Kirk can't lead us to the promised land (I mean he is such a good/great guy), but if we do not make a change now (possibly with the 11^th pick in the upcoming draft), then in another 12 months we will be back where we are today, watching the playoff teams that have franchise winning playoff QB's. It's not personal, it's just business. GO VIKES!

— Craig Cameron in Phoenix, Arizona

Cousins' popularity curve in Minnesota has been interesting to observe. Some folks have been in his corner since he signed with the Vikings (some even before that). Others have been sharp critics of the QB and continue from that perspective. Others have moved their opinions to the favorable end of the spectrum.

It's clear how much he's appreciated in the locker room, and I truly believe he would have guided the Vikings to the playoffs again this season had he not suffered the Achilles injury. Would it have resulted in a playoff victory or more? Guess we'll never know.

The health elsewhere on the roster was really bad at the end of the season. Could having Cousins have masked that? Possibly.

I know much was made on the final throw of the Wild Card game after the 2022 season, but the Vikings defense didn't have a good showing against the Giants, who only scored more than the 31 points that game once during the regular season (38 against the Colts on Jan. 1) and only scored 7 the following week.

Will Vikings use their first pick 2024 on a quarterback? I definitely hope so. It's time to move on from Kirk Cousins. Also, will Vikings sign a free agent backup quarterback? Our current backups need to go. Vikings need to keep Jefferson and build the offense around him. [Danielle] Hunter will be too expensive to keep with the signing of Jefferson. Hope the Vikings do great in the draft and free agent signings. Pick the right players, and the Vikings will have an awesome team in 2024!

— Jeff (super Vikings fan)

Seven of the eight quarterbacks whose teams made it to the Divisional Round are former first-round picks (Stroud, Lamar Jackson, Jordan Love, Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, Baker Mayfield and Jared Goff), and five did so with the team that selected them (all but Mayfield and Goff).

Some played immediately; others (notably Mahomes and Love) benefited from extra time to develop.

That's why some suggest bringing Cousins back AND using a high pick on a quarterback.

The evaluation of backup quarterbacks should include how they'll project if needed to play for an extended period, as well as how they help the overall team through non-playing roles. Mullens showed he could move the football, but the interceptions he threw undercut the yardage he gained. Hall is on a developmental trajectory. Neither's contract is overwhelming, and both have two and one years, respectively, in the offensive system with the ability to build on that and help other players develop in it.

If Hunter is not re-signed, the Vikings will try to offset the 16.5 sacks and league-leading 23 tackles for loss he delivered in his first season of this defense. We'll have more on Hunter in our outside linebackers position recap on Wednesday.

The Marcus Davenport signing illustrates free agency isn't free and past success elsewhere doesn't mean future success.

Yes, this season was one of the toughest for a long time (55-year Vikings fan). We had lots of expectations after last year's 13-4 season. Way too many turnovers and injuries.

Even with all the issues, this team could have easily won 10 games. I think the offense could have been more aggressive in some games. Hope to see a better outcome next season.

Sign Kirk for three more years and draft a future QB to train under him. Have faith in free agency and the draft.

Let's build for a long and prosperous future for our beloved Vikings.

Viking fan for life.

— Tom from Massachusetts

It's kind of wild to me with all that happened that Minnesota easily could have finished 10-7, maybe even better without as many turnovers or injuries or with one or two more key plays in a few games.

Minnesota's leadership will best serve itself with the most honest assessments at every position to reach more goals next year and sustain successes from season to season.

Fans who have been with the team for as long as Tom has can be assured that people with much shorter Vikings tenures are trying to get the team to the ultimate goal.

Regarding Brian Asamoah, what's his deal? No production now for 2 years?

— Nicholas Januschik

Asamoah last week posted on social media that his offseason surgery went well. He'll be entering his third NFL season and second in Minnesota's current system.

The 2022 draft class included five defensive players: Lewis Cine, Andrew Booth, Jr., Asamoah, Akayleb Evans and Esezi Otomewo.

The group was placed in a defensive system that was different from 2021 and changed again heading into 2023 with the addition of new Defensive Coordinator Brian Flores.

In multiple cases, the players drafted have had productive veterans in front of them. In Asamoah's case, the Vikings have had Jordan Hicks the past two seasons, and Ivan Pace, Jr., came in as an undrafted rookie to be a big difference maker.

When Hicks was out, Pace jumped up to the "green dot" duties and was joined by veteran Troy Dye.

Flores' experience as a personnel evaluator before becoming a coach should help guide decisions going forward to add talent and depth with his system in mind.

What Vikings fans have known the last couple of years, our GM is putting us way behind the rest of the division.

ESPN rates the other three division opponents in the top 10 and the Vikings one of the WORST!!!

With the Lions and Bears having much more money under the cap and the youngest playoff team — the Pack, we are at the bottom of the division.

How do we trust Kwesi after he traded out of the 12^th pick in 2022 — now All-Pro Kyle Hamilton to pick Lewis Cine, who may be cut!

That is two bad drafts in a row!

— Bryan Abrams

The Lions had a three-win season in 2021. The Bears had a three-win season in 2022. The Packers went 8-9 in 2022 and 9-8 in 2023.

While Detroit and Green Bay made it to the playoffs and look like they are built solidly to be a pain for quite some time, I point out those things to illustrate how quickly the status of a team can change.

Chicago is sitting pretty in the draft and has ample cap space. Detroit and Green Bay can keep trying to build on the momentum gained this season.

The number of emails about not drafting Hamilton and instead trading down to eventually draft Cine probably ranks second behind emails regarding Cousins.

The deepest part of the 2023 Vikings roster was safety, and Harrison Smith, Camryn Bynum and Josh Metellus stayed available throughout the season.

The Vikings are scheduled to pick 11^th overall this year and higher within other rounds than last year.

Every team is going to have hits, misses or players who have different development paths in every draft.

Question: When, if ever, have the Vikings invested time to bring a rookie QB along to success?

— Dave Maki in Glendale, Arizona (Been a fan since day one)

The intent was there with Teddy Bridgewater, who was selected in the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft.

Minnesota turned to Bridgewater that season after Matt Cassel's injury. Bridgewater helped Minnesota win the NFC North in 2015 and was trending upward when he suffered his knee injury during practice just before the 2016 regular season. That one moment created a cascade of dominoes throughout the NFL.

Thinking the rest of the roster was close, Minnesota then traded to acquire veteran Sam Bradford, who showed his passing prowess but wasn't able to help the 2016 squad return to the playoffs. Case Keenum pinch hit masterfully in 2017 after Bradford's injury, and then the Vikings signed Cousins in 2018.

O'Connell's experience as a former quarterback who spent time developing with multiple franchises and coaches has remained in his approach. This staff has several former quarterbacks at different levels of football.

Prior to Bridgewater, the best example of developing a rookie quarterback was Daunte Culpepper, who was selected 11^th overall in 1999 and became Minnesota's starter in 2000.

If there is any way you could talk to the powers of the Minnesota Vikings, Mason Rudolph should be a free agent this year. Plant that seed. He would look awesome in Vikings purple!

Thanks,

— Rick in Stillwater, Oklahoma

Appreciate Rick's recognition of me not being among the "powers of the Minnesota Vikings."

Rick is correct that Rudolph, who went 3-0 as a starter to close the regular season before the Steelers lost to the Bills in the Wild Card, is a pending free agent. Guessing that Rick saw plenty of Rudolph in college at Oklahoma State.

Rudolph remains under contract until the New League Year in March, so the NFL rules also apply to team employees making comments about him.

Much of the focus between now and the end of April will be on the work done by college scouting department, but the Vikings and other teams also have pro scouting departments that are continuously evaluating players who may or may not become available.

Whether college or pro, the scouting staffs benefit from more time to learn the traits and abilities that will give a player the best chance to thrive in O'Connell's system.

Will Vikings use their first pick 2024 on a quarterback? I definitely hope so. It's time to move on from Kirk Cousins. Also, will Vikings sign a free agent backup quarterback? Our current backups need to go. Vikings need to keep Jefferson and build the offense around him. [Danielle] Hunter will be too expensive to keep with the signing of Jefferson. Hope the Vikings do great in the draft and free agent signings. Pick the right players, and the Vikings will have an awesome team in 2024!

— Jeff (super Vikings fan)

Seven of the eight quarterbacks whose teams made it to the Divisional Round are former first-round picks (Stroud, Lamar Jackson, Jordan Love, Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, Baker Mayfield and Jared Goff), and five did so with the team that selected them (all but Mayfield and Goff).

Some played immediately; others (notably Mahomes and Love) benefited from extra time to develop.

That's why some suggest bringing Cousins back AND using a high pick on a quarterback.

The evaluation of backup quarterbacks should include how they'll project if needed to play for an extended period, as well as how they help the overall team through non-playing roles. Mullens showed he could move the football, but the interceptions he threw undercut the yardage he gained. Hall is on a developmental trajectory. Neither's contract is overwhelming, and both have two and one years, respectively, in the offensive system with the ability to build on that and help other players develop in it.

If Hunter is not re-signed, the Vikings will try to offset the 16.5 sacks and league-leading 23 tackles for loss he delivered in his first season of this defense. We'll have more on Hunter in our outside linebackers position recap on Wednesday.

The Marcus Davenport signing illustrates free agency isn't free and past success elsewhere doesn't mean future success.

Yes, this season was one of the toughest for a long time (55-year Vikings fan). We had lots of expectations after last year's 13-4 season. Way too many turnovers and injuries.

Even with all the issues, this team could have easily won 10 games. I think the offense could have been more aggressive in some games. Hope to see a better outcome next season.

Sign Kirk for three more years and draft a future QB to train under him. Have faith in free agency and the draft.

Let's build for a long and prosperous future for our beloved Vikings.

Viking fan for life.

— Tom from Massachusetts

It's kind of wild to me with all that happened that Minnesota easily could have finished 10-7, maybe even better without as many turnovers or injuries or with one or two more key plays in a few games.

Minnesota's leadership will best serve itself with the most honest assessments at every position to reach more goals next year and sustain successes from season to season.

Fans who have been with the team for as long as Tom has can be assured that people with much shorter Vikings tenures are trying to get the team to the ultimate goal.

Regarding Brian Asamoah, what's his deal? No production now for 2 years?

— Nicholas Januschik

Asamoah last week posted on social media that his offseason surgery went well. He'll be entering his third NFL season and second in Minnesota's current system.

The 2022 draft class included five defensive players: Lewis Cine, Andrew Booth, Jr., Asamoah, Akayleb Evans and Esezi Otomewo.

The group was placed in a defensive system that was different from 2021 and changed again heading into 2023 with the addition of new Defensive Coordinator Brian Flores.

In multiple cases, the players drafted have had productive veterans in front of them. In Asamoah's case, the Vikings have had Jordan Hicks the past two seasons, and Ivan Pace, Jr., came in as an undrafted rookie to be a big difference maker.

When Hicks was out, Pace jumped up to the "green dot" duties and was joined by veteran Troy Dye.

Flores' experience as a personnel evaluator before becoming a coach should help guide decisions going forward to add talent and depth with his system in mind.

What Vikings fans have known the last couple of years, our GM is putting us way behind the rest of the division.

ESPN rates the other three division opponents in the top 10 and the Vikings one of the WORST!!!

With the Lions and Bears having much more money under the cap and the youngest playoff team — the Pack, we are at the bottom of the division.

How do we trust Kwesi after he traded out of the 12^th pick in 2022 — now All-Pro Kyle Hamilton to pick Lewis Cine, who may be cut!

That is two bad drafts in a row!

— Bryan Abrams

The Lions had a three-win season in 2021. The Bears had a three-win season in 2022. The Packers went 8-9 in 2022 and 9-8 in 2023.

While Detroit and Green Bay made it to the playoffs and look like they are built solidly to be a pain for quite some time, I point out those things to illustrate how quickly the status of a team can change.

Chicago is sitting pretty in the draft and has ample cap space. Detroit and Green Bay can keep trying to build on the momentum gained this season.

The number of emails about not drafting Hamilton and instead trading down to eventually draft Cine probably ranks second behind emails regarding Cousins.

The deepest part of the 2023 Vikings roster was safety, and Harrison Smith, Camryn Bynum and Josh Metellus stayed available throughout the season.

The Vikings are scheduled to pick 11^th overall this year and higher within other rounds than last year.

Every team is going to have hits, misses or players who have different development paths in every draft.

Question: When, if ever, have the Vikings invested time to bring a rookie QB along to success?

— Dave Maki in Glendale, Arizona (Been a fan since day one)

The intent was there with Teddy Bridgewater, who was selected in the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft.

Minnesota turned to Bridgewater that season after Matt Cassel's injury. Bridgewater helped Minnesota win the NFC North in 2015 and was trending upward when he suffered his knee injury during practice just before the 2016 regular season. That one moment created a cascade of dominoes throughout the NFL.

Thinking the rest of the roster was close, Minnesota then traded to acquire veteran Sam Bradford, who showed his passing prowess but wasn't able to help the 2016 squad return to the playoffs. Case Keenum pinch hit masterfully in 2017 after Bradford's injury, and then the Vikings signed Cousins in 2018.

O'Connell's experience as a former quarterback who spent time developing with multiple franchises and coaches has remained in his approach. This staff has several former quarterbacks at different levels of football.

Prior to Bridgewater, the best example of developing a rookie quarterback was Daunte Culpepper, who was selected 11^th overall in 1999 and became Minnesota's starter in 2000.

If there is any way you could talk to the powers of the Minnesota Vikings, Mason Rudolph should be a free agent this year. Plant that seed. He would look awesome in Vikings purple!

Thanks,

— Rick in Stillwater, Oklahoma

Appreciate Rick's recognition of me not being among the "powers of the Minnesota Vikings."

Rick is correct that Rudolph, who went 3-0 as a starter to close the regular season before the Steelers lost to the Bills in the Wild Card, is a pending free agent. Guessing that Rick saw plenty of Rudolph in college at Oklahoma State.

Rudolph remains under contract until the New League Year in March, so the NFL rules also apply to team employees making comments about him.

Much of the focus between now and the end of April will be on the work done by college scouting department, but the Vikings and other teams also have pro scouting departments that are continuously evaluating players who may or may not become available.

Whether college or pro, the scouting staffs benefit from more time to learn the traits and abilities that will give a player the best chance to thrive in O'Connell's system.