In a surprising turn of events, the Minnesota Vikings find themselves in need of a new quarterback following Kirk Cousins' departure after six years with the team. General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah recently revealed that the Vikings have "layers of contingencies" in place as they embark on the search for their next signal-caller.

The quarterback landscape took an interesting turn today as two notable names, Baker Mayfield and Russell Wilson, made their decisions, potentially ruling them out as candidates for the Vikings. Additionally, Gardner Minshew found a new home with the Raiders, further limiting the available options.

Currently, the Vikings have several potential options to consider. Ryan Tannehill, Jacoby Brissett, Marcus Mariota, Tyrod Taylor, Sam Darnold, and Drew Lock are among the candidates who could fill the quarterback void. Another possibility is the acquisition of Carson Wentz, who served as a backup with the Rams in 2023 after a long wait.

Alternatively, the team may explore the trade market, considering prospects such as Trey Lance, Justin Fields, or Zach Wilson. As the draft approaches, the Vikings could also opt for a rookie quarterback with the 11th pick, combined with a reasonably-priced veteran to guide them through the transition.

However, the Vikings face an additional challenge due to the significant financial commitment tied to Cousins. With a staggering $28 million in dead money attributed to Cousins for 2024, the team will need to carefully manage their resources to ensure they find a suitable replacement without compromising salary cap flexibility.

Ultimately, the Vikings' quarterback search is shaping up to be a complex and intricate process. With multiple layers of contingencies in place and a variety of potential avenues to explore, the team must carefully evaluate their options to find the right fit for the future. The pressure is on for Adofo-Mensah and the Vikings' front office as they navigate this crucial decision in the coming weeks.