3 Vikings who won’t be back next year and best options to replace them

The Minnesota Vikings lost to the New York Giants in a disappointing end to their season. Next year’s team could look a lot different for Kevin O’Connell and Co.

Kirk Cousins called the Vikings loss to the New York Giants in the Wild Card round the most disappointing of his career. Despite seemingly surviving close games all season, Minnesota could not turn things around against a well-coached Giants team all day.

A Cousins pass short of the sticks on fourth-and-8 symbolized what many thought about this Minnesota team this year — close, but no cigar. The Vikings must make some improvements, specifically on the defensive side of the ball, if they are to make a Super Bowl run in the next few years.

Whether it’s free agency, trades, or the NFL Draft, expect Kwesi Adofo-Mensah to have an active role as he molds this Minnesota roster in his image.

Vikings rumors: Nick Mullens could find a home elsewhere

Backup quarterbacks basically play musical chairs with NFL franchises these days, making Nick Mullens an easy target. Mullens certainly provided value to the Minnesota quarterback room, but at 27 years old, he’s reached a crossroads in his career. Given Kirk Cousins stability at starter, Mullens would be better served finding a different home if he actually wants a chance to step in and be the hero.

No player is rooting for another to get injured, I should start there. However, Cousins has rarely missed time due to injury over the last few years, and Mullens isn’t about to supplant him.

A replacement for Mullens is about fit, and Case Keenum could be it. Keenum has playing experience in Minnesota, and is an established backup at this point in his career. Entering his mid-30’s, Keenum has enough experience in multiple systems — some of which are surely similar to O’Connell’s — that the Vikings would be fine with him getting playing time if necessary.