With the news of starting quarterback Kirk Cousins being out for the season, the Minnesota Vikings have been actively exploring their options for a replacement, both in the short-term and long-term. In a surprising move, the team has acquired Josh Dobbs, who has started eight games this season for the Cardinals and is under contract through the end of the current season.

The trade for Dobbs not only provides the Vikings with immediate quarterback support, but it also lays the foundation for a potential return by Cousins in 2024. This unexpected turn of events has suddenly made Cousins' comeback a reasonable possibility, especially considering that he was playing the best football of his career prior to his injury.

The offseason dynamics have also shifted in Cousins' favor. With his recovery from a torn Achilles tendon, there is likely to be significantly less competition for his services on the open market. This situation may further strengthen the bond between Cousins and the team as they share a sense of unfinished business and unfulfilled potential.

Interestingly, Dobbs and Cousins share the same agent, Mike McCartney. This connection could potentially facilitate smoother negotiations and communication between the two players and the team in the coming months.

Regardless of the team's plans for next year, Cousins remains a viable option. The addition of Dobbs to the squad provides the Vikings with a quarterback who can step in and perform down the stretch of the current season. The success of this transition will largely depend on how quickly head coach Kevin O'Connell can integrate Dobbs into the Minnesota offense.

While there are still uncertainties regarding Cousins' return and the team's performance for the rest of the season, the Vikings have taken a proactive step by acquiring Dobbs. The upcoming weeks will reveal how well this new quarterback arrangement works out for the team and whether Cousins' potential return in 2024 becomes a reality.

In the meantime, the Vikings are focused on their immediate challenge - getting Dobbs up to speed quickly and ensuring the team remains competitive in the hunt for a playoff spot.