People who make decisions for the Vikings are naturally pleased with the quarterbacking of Josh Dobbs after two games, but also count coach Kevin O’Connell’s play-calling and direction for his success.
Dobbs, 28, who is playing for $1.5 million, can become a free agent after the season. The Vikings understandably want a larger sample than two games before considering a new contract.
Should Dobbs continue to excel, a new contract could be worth as much as $20 million a year. The Vikings also have the option of a franchise tag for him, but that cost would be prohibitive.
— Despite his age (36 next August), if Kirk Cousins fully recovers from his Achilles tear and doesn’t receive an incentive-laden extension, he’ll be the NFL’s top free agent QB in March. That could cost nearly $45 million a year guaranteed for two years.
— Dobbs, much more mobile than Cousins, and Cousins, a better passer than Dobbs, have, coincidentally, the same agent, Mike McCartney.
— The Vikings probably cannot afford to sign Cousins, Justin Jefferson (probably $30 million a year) and Danielle Hunter (at least $25 million) to new contracts that will be due before next season.
