The Minnesota Vikings have four quarterbacks under contract, each with differing experience.
That hasn’t stopped them from researching the market, as the offseason program calls for various camp arms to reduce wear and tear.
“Another Colonel earning his opportunity!” On May 7, the EKU Football social media team posted on X. “Parker McKinney is headed to Minnesota after receiving an invite to the @Vikings mini camp!”
“One of the top FCS quarterbacks, McKinney had 41 total touchdowns and eight interceptions in 2022 before a slight dip in production last season,” Logan Reardon of NBC Sports Boston said on January 16.
McKinney completed 69% of his throws in 2022, totaling 3,956 yards.
Last season, he completed 63% of his throws for 3,033 yards, 20 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions, with an additional 225 yards and three touchdowns on the ground.
He has 12,751 passing yards, 94 touchdowns, and 44 interceptions in six years at Eastern Kentucky University. He accumulated 1,671 yards and 23 touchdowns on the ground throughout that time, including a career-high 596 yards in 2021.
He is listed at 6-foot-3, which is prototypical height. However, he is recorded as weighing only 208 pounds.
That is only the first challenge McKinney will encounter as he attempts to make his NFL debut this season.
The Vikings’ quarterback depth chart includes Nick Mullens, Jaren Hall, Sam Darnold, and J.J. McCarthy.
Darnold agreed to a one-year, $10 million contract in free agency this offseason. He has been a bridge option since the start. McCarthy, whom the Vikings traded up to draft with the No. 10 overall choice, represents their bright future at the position.
Mullens and Hall may be concerned about the Vikings’ efforts to increase their arsenal.
Mullens is in Year 2 of a two-year, $2.2 million deal. The Vikings may release him for a small dead cap cost of $375,000.
Hall would cost even less, at $209,457 in Year 2 of a four-year, $4.1 million contract. There may not be enough room on the roster to keep two developing quarterbacks. It may still make sense for the practice squad to continue preparing Hall for a potential backup role.
The former BYU standout possesses a dual-threat skill set similar to McCarthy.
Former Vikings quarterback hits free agency for the second time this offseason.
While the Vikings continue to make roster changes ahead of rookie minicamp, OTAs, and training camp, one former Vikings quarterback is back in free agency after a brief stint with his new team, the New Orleans Saints.
“#Saints waived Kellen Mond and Tommy Kraemer,” KPRC 2’s Aaron Wilson wrote on May 8 on X.
The Vikings selected Mond as the first of four third-round picks in the 2021 draft.
Mond, the No. 66 overall choice in the class, was waived in August 2022. Since then, he has spent his time between the Cleveland Browns and the Indianapolis Colts. He only recently signed with the Saints, but he’s always had a difficult time breaking into the squad behind starter Derek Carr.
Mond may be able to find a campsite in Minnesota. His prior tenure seems hampered by former Head Coach Mike Zimmer, who is now with the Dallas Cowboys.
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