If The Athletic's predictions for this NFL offseason are on point, two New York Jets' quarterback busts are headed to the Minnesota Vikings.
In an article forecasting quarterback moves for all 32 teams, the site has Vikings' veteran Kirk Cousins signing as a free agent with the Atlanta Falcons and being replaced in Minnesota by none other than Sam Darnold and Zach Wilson.
Both are former Top 3 draft picks that - to put it nicely - didn't exactly pan out in New York. Now, the Vikings will sign one (Darnold) and trade for the other (Wilson)?
Of the admittedly "wild" scenario, explains The Athletic:
"Let’s get wild. In 2021, some with the Jets wanted to keep Darnold and draft Wilson and now the Vikings have the chance to play out that dream. Wilson is on his way out in New York but in the right environment, with the right coaching, he still has the talent to, at worst, be a high-end backup. Darnold has never been in particularly winning situations as a starter but no one has ever questioned his arm talent. After a year in Kyle Shanahan’s system, he might be ready for another shot at starting. Minnesota is a good fit."
Related: Jets Trade Rumors: Zach Wilson to NFC North?
While the folks in Minneapolis probably aren't too giddy over the prospect of acquiring two quarterbacks with horrendous records as starters - Darnold 21-35, Wilson 12-21 - The Athletic projects the Jets only recouping a sixth-round pick for Wilson in the trade with the Vikings.
At least for New York there isn't quarterback drama as the team will again be centered around 40-year-old, four-time MVP Aaron Rodgers.