NFL Trade Rumors: Could Vikings Find Kirk Cousins Replacement in Trey Lance?

If the Kirk Cousins era in Minnesota is actually drawing to a close, where will the Vikings turn to next for their starting quarterback?

Most analysts look at the 2024 NFL Draft and a strong quarterback class for their answer. Others look at free agents such as the recently released Russell Wilson or Ryan Tannehill. Both have experience and have won before at high levels. With an offense clearly in transition, a stop-gap quarterback may not be the worst thing in the world.

One NFL analyst offered a different option for the Vikings to potentially consider, and it’s one he heard from sources directly at the 2024 Scouting Combine.

Rich Eisen Ties Trey Lance to Vikings’ Future Plans

The godfather of NFL Network, Rich Eisen, has long been known to have his ear close to the ground during the week-long scouting trip to Indianapolis. On top of many additional rumors he had heard for many teams, one specific rumor that tied the Vikings to a young backup came with an extra caveat.

On his daily Rich Eisen Show, the long-time network host detailed that the Vikings may be prepared to allow Cousins to hit free agency, instead of giving him a long-term deal.

“Coach Kevin O’Connell…my question was what he was willing to share, and he said that Kirk was a process guy and go through the process of free agency,” Eisen said.

Additionally, the host also detailed a rumor that tied Minnesota to a former 2021 third-overall selection and a player that is already on another team.

“Before he said that, I heard a rumor that a possible solve at quarterback was a native of the state, Trey Lance,” Eisen added. “The Cowboys kept him on the roster long enough to get a bonus. I just wonder if the Vikings flip him a three, do they go out and do that? That might be an answer.”

The San Francisco 49ers traded up in the 2021 NFL Draft to select Lance No. 3 overall, but the North Dakota State star struggled to stay on the field and look good over his first two seasons. In the end, Lance was beaten out by seventh-round draft selection Brock Purdy and was traded to the Cowboys for a fourth-round pick.

In four starts with the 49ers, Lance went 2-2 but completed under 60% of his passes with five touchdowns and three interceptions. His QB rating was never higher than 40 as he struggled to adjust well to Kyle Shanahan’s offense.

With the Cowboys, Lance has found new life of sorts backing up Pro Bowl QB Dak Prescott. While the 23-year-old did not play this past season, Lance’s intangibles and raw talent were things that made him a top prospect in the draft beforehand.

KEEP READING: Top Free Agent Quarterbacks 2024

According to Eisen, that’s exactly why the Vikings could be interested in the young project as they look for solutions in a potential post-Cousins world.

Miss football? The 2024 NFL Draft is almost here, boss. Pro Football Network has you covered with everything from team draft needs to the Top 100 prospects available. Plus, fire up PFN’s Mock Draft Simulator to put yourself in the general manager’s seat and make all the calls!