Vikings Territory: Cam Newton As Vikings QB2 Is A Neat Idea But Unlikely To Happen

Press release from Vikings Territory:

Dustin Baker Dustin Baker

2021-09-01

If it wasn’t for a competent showing by Kellen Mond and a mini “comeback” against the Kansas City Chiefs in the Minnesota Vikings final preseason game, Vikings fans would be in full panic about the 2021 QB2 situation. Some folks may still even be in a state of apprehension on the topic.

A few hours before Browning and Stanley’s release, New England Patriots signal-caller Cam Newton was shockingly jettisoned from the team’s roster, clearing the way from Alabama Crimson Tide rookie Mac Jones to take the big job much sooner than most experts expected.

Wheels were spun — and because Minnesota could, in theory, use a better backup quarterback than a youthful Mond, the Vikings became a “what if” landing spot for Newton’s next tour of duty.

The choice of Jones over Newton solidifies the notion that Newton is clearly past his prime, which tosses him into QB2 conversations — like this one.

For the very reason that Cousins could miss regular season action in 2020 — he is unvaccinated and might be forced to quarantine at any time — Newton carries that same pandemic suitcase. Based on his dealings with the Patriots toward the end of his tenure, the serious implication is that he is not vaccinated. That probably played into the decision by Bill Belichick to roll with Jones who is vaccinated.

Whether you agree with the science of the vaccine or believe the pandemic is made up (or that the vaccine is unsafe), it is counterproductive to holster three unvaccinated quarterbacks. The Vikings must find a player “against the grain” in this fashion — or just stick with Mond.

Mond was the big winner for roster cuts. For the first time, he is now Minnesota’s QB2. And the Vikings generally keep just two quarterbacks on the depth chart at all times from September to January. Outside of trading for Nick Foles — unlikely because the team just sent a 4th-Rounder to the New York Jets for TE Chris Herndon — it’s probably Mond’s job.

This press release was produced by Vikings Territory .The views expressed here are the author’s own.