Title: Vikings Acquire QB Josh Dobbs from Cardinals Ahead of Trade Deadline
Date: October 31, 2023
The Minnesota Vikings have secured quarterback Joshua Dobbs from the Arizona Cardinals in a trade deal just hours before the NFL’s trade deadline on Tuesday. This acquisition comes as the Vikings aim to strengthen their quarterback depth following starter Kirk Cousins’ season-ending torn right Achilles tendon.
Pending the successful completion of a physical examination, the Vikings will add Dobbs to their roster along with a conditional seventh-round pick in the 2024 draft. In exchange, the Cardinals will receive a sixth-round pick in the same draft year. The conditions of the pick are dependent on Dobbs’ playing time, as confirmed by a source familiar with the matter, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported.
Prior to the trade, the Vikings found themselves with rookie Jaren Hall as their only healthy quarterback on the 53-man roster. Backup Nick Mullens remains on the injured reserve due to a back injury, while veteran Sean Mannion has been part of the practice squad since October 11.
As the Vikings prepare for their upcoming game against the Atlanta Falcons, Hall is expected to be the starting quarterback. It remains uncertain whether Dobbs, who started all eight games for the Cardinals this season, will be dressed for the game.
Dobbs, taking over the starting duties from the injured Kyler Murray, has thrown for 1,569 yards, eight touchdowns, and five interceptions in the Cardinals’ first eight games. Despite his efforts, the Cardinals have struggled this season, currently holding a 1-7 record.
Cousins sustained his season-ending injury during the Vikings’ recent victory over the Green Bay Packers. Hall replaced Cousins in that game, completing three out of four passes for 23 yards but also losing a fumble on a sack.
The Vikings have shown promise in recent weeks, winning their past three games to level their record at 4-4. Cousins, a two-time Pro Bowler, had been enjoying a strong season, leading the NFL with 18 touchdown passes while throwing for 2,331 yards and just five interceptions.
Meanwhile, the Cardinals’ head coach, Jonathan Gannon, announced on Monday that Dobbs would not start in their game against the Cleveland Browns. Instead, rookie Clayton Tune is set to take the helm. However, Gannon hinted that there’s a possibility that Murray, recovering from ACL surgery, could make his return to the field soon. Murray’s 21-day window to practice after being designated to return from the physically unable to play list will close on November 8, just days before the Cardinals host the Atlanta Falcons.
The Vikings’ acquisition of Dobbs provides them with additional depth at the quarterback position as they aim to continue their winning streak and contend for a playoff spot in the remaining games of the season.