![Josh Dobbs has a new team again.](https://i.kinja-img.com/image/upload/c_fit,q_60,w_645/98319d02c650aa14079dda870a8d6422.jpg)
The Minnesota Vikings acquired a starting quarterback from the Arizona Cardinals in a blockbuster trade before the deadline. Okay, a blockbuster might be a challenge, but the Vikings did make an attempt to land Joshua Dobbs from the Cardinals. This probably isn’t the Arizona QB you initially thought of, but Minnesota had to do something after losing Kirk Cousins to an Achilles injury for the rest of the season.
Vikings – Joshua Dobbs and 7th round pick
Cardinals – 6th round pick
There were rumors that the Vikings might go after Arizona’s other starter, Kyler Murray. The former No. 1 overall pick hasn’t played all year, recovering from an injury, but according to reports, should be ready to return soon. In the days leading up to Tuesday’s trade deadline, it was suggested that the Vikings could make a move on Murray. The main thing standing in the way of this on such short notice was Murray’s contract, which would see Arizona taking a $46.2 million loss (dead money charge next year) if they traded him.
So while that sounded good and like it could have been the long-term answer for the Vikings, there was little to no real chance of it happening. Dobbs was perhaps the next best choice among those immediately available QBs with starting experience. He started every game for the Cardinals this season, and while the wins haven’t exactly piled up, Dobbs has played well for the most part. Arizona isn’t a good franchise right now and that can’t be blamed on Dobbs.
No one expects Dobbs to come in and do what Cousins has done this season. Cousins’ campaign ended early with him tied for the NFL lead in passing touchdowns (18), second in passing yards (2,331) and yards per game (291.4). He also ranks third in passer rating and fifth in completion percentage. And that’s without Justin Jefferson for the past few games.
Just when Minnesota had turned things around and climbed back to .500, Cousins went to play the same game. The good news is that Dobbs has weapons to connect and lean on with the Vikings and should get Jefferson back from injury soon. So Dobbs will not be asked to do what Cousins had done; all he has to do is “manage” the ship and help steer it into January.