How Did The Josh Dobbs Trade Help The Minnesota Vikings? 2023

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Game-Changer Alert! Josh Dobbs Joins the Vikings as Backup QB with Starter Potential. Playoffs in Sight. Kirk Cousins’ Future Uncertain. Click Now!

Josh Dobbs is making a move to the Minnesota Vikings as a backup quarterback, with the potential to become the starter, depending on the performance of rookie Jaren Hall. The Minnesota Vikings are currently on a three-game winning streak and are back in the playoff race, making this a pivotal moment for a quarterback change.

The uncertainty surrounding Kirk Cousins, due to his injury and impending free agency, has raised questions about his future with the Vikings. However, there is still hope that he may return for the 2024 season.

The trade deadline on October 31 saw several players donning new jerseys for the remainder of the season, and Josh Dobbs was one of them. With a season-ending injury to Kirk Cousins in Week 8, the Minnesota Vikings needed to secure a quarterback before the deadline, and they did so by acquiring Josh Dobbs from the Arizona Cardinals, along with a 2024 seventh-round pick, in exchange for a 2024 sixth-rounder. While Dobbs is currently listed as QB2 on the Minnesota depth chart, he has been the starter for the Cardinals since the beginning of the season.

Dobbs stepped in for Kyler Murray, who was recovering from a torn ACL suffered in December 2022. Although Murray is expected to return soon, the Cardinals have decided to start rookie Clayton Tune. This decision was made before the trade, indicating that a Dobbs trade was in the works.

Josh Dobbs, who was a standout for the Tennessee Volunteers, was drafted in the fourth round in 2017 by the Pittsburgh Steelers. He has mostly served as a backup quarterback throughout his career, moving between teams over the last few years. In March 2023, he signed with the Cleveland Browns but was traded to the Arizona Cardinals in August. While the Cardinals have had a tough season, Dobbs has shown promise, going without throwing an interception in the first four games.

Dobbs leaves Arizona with a 1-7 record, but his 1,569 passing yards, eight touchdowns, and ability to run the ball (258 yards on the ground and three touchdowns) add a dimension to the Vikings’ offense. Kirk Cousins was not known for his running ability, making Dobbs a valuable addition.

The Vikings are placing their bets on rookie QB Jaren Hall, who will start in Week 9 against the Atlanta Falcons. Pending Dobbs’ physical assessment, he will be ready to step in if needed. In Week 8, Hall had his first regular-season action, going 3-for-4 for 23 yards and experiencing one fumble from a sack.

The future playing time for Dobbs with the Vikings depends on how well Hall performs in Week 9. Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell shared his perspective on the trade, emphasizing the importance of preparing Dobbs for action, whether as a backup or potential starter.

With Kirk Cousins out for the rest of the season due to a torn Achilles, the Vikings were in desperate need of an experienced quarterback. Dobbs could be a perfect fit for the Vikings, offering leadership both on and off the field. This trade provides him with an opportunity to mentor Jaren Hall and potentially lead the team to the playoffs. Additionally, the return of star receiver Justin Jefferson in the coming weeks adds to the Vikings’ offensive strength.

Rookie receiver Jordan Addison and tight end T.J. Hockenson further enhance the offensive weapons at Dobbs’ disposal. This trio, along with Jefferson, represents a significant upgrade in terms of targets compared to his former Arizona teammates.

The Vikings are currently on a three-game winning streak, including an impressive victory over the San Francisco 49ers defense. With their record now at 4-4, they are firmly in the playoff race, making it a crucial time for the team.

As for Kirk Cousins, his injury and impending free agency present challenges. However, there is optimism that he may return to the Vikings for the 2024 season once he recovers from his injury. Kevin O’Connell, the Vikings’ head coach, expressed his positive sentiments regarding Cousins’ future with the team.

How the Josh Dobbs trade helps the Minnesota Vikings

In conclusion, the trade of Josh Dobbs to the Minnesota Vikings has the potential to reshape the team’s season. With Kirk Cousins sidelined, Dobbs brings experience and versatility to the quarterback position. The Vikings are in a strong position in the playoff race, and Dobbs’ contribution could be a game-changer for the team.