I’ve seen a lot of early roster predictions claiming that the Vikings might keep 3 QBs on the active 53. Most of the debate is around whether Jaren Hall would or wouldn’t make it to the practice squad should the Vikings only keep 2 QBs. I would suggest this line of thinking is flawed.

Why not cut Mullens and keep the developmental guy Hall on the roster? Given Kirk Cousins iron man status (knock on wood), we’re not expecting to have a back up play many snaps. And if the Vikings do find themselves in that situation, does anyone really think Mulliens will be able to lead them to the playoffs? The last meaningful, extended game reps he had was in 2020 when he threw 12 TDs to 12 INTs and was on the losing end of some lopsided games. His record in 2018 wasn’t much better. He barely played in 2019 and 2021. And the light duty he got in 2022 with the Vikings was less than impressive. So if the Vikings do find themselves in need of a back up quarterback this year, they may as well give Hall a shot at the helm of Kevin O’Connell’s offensive.

With Hall as the back up, best case scenario is he wins some games, develops as a starter and the Vikings see what kind of QB they have in the building ahead of a Kirk Cousins contract year and ahead of a presumably good QB draft class. Worst case is he loses a ton of games, proves not be starting caliber and the Vikings see what kind of QB they have in the building ahead of a Kirk Cousins contract year and ahead of a presumably good QB draft class. The bonus if they lose a few extra games than they might with Mullens is better draft position in 2024. This assumes that one doesn’t think Mullens is a playoff caliber QB. (Most of the debate on the DN is whether Cousins is even a playoff QB.)

So the question should be would Nick Mullens make it to the practice squad? I would think ‘yes.’ And if not, would there be a similar caliber player available if they did cut Mullens and he happened to sign elsewhere? I would think ‘yes.’ Other than someone trying to steal our playbook who would pick up Mullens? There were 12+ teams that drafted developmental QBs and several more teams with Trey Lances or other developmental guys from previous years. And there are David Bloughs of the world that always seem to be around.

I’d say there should be no debate needed about whether Hall could or couldn’t be slipped to the PS. There’s not much risk in cutting Mullens and trying to get him to the practice squad.