Minnesota Vikings Trade for Joshua Dobbs
Joshua Dobbs Joins the Minnesota Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings have made a significant move to bolster their quarterback depth with the acquisition of Joshua Dobbs from the Arizona Cardinals. This trade, announced just ahead of the NFL trade deadline, sees Dobbs heading to the Vikings in exchange for a 2024 sixth-round pick and a conditional 2024 seventh-round pick.
Dobbs, who had been the starting quarterback for the Cardinals this season, brings a wealth of experience and talent to the Vikings’ quarterback room. Through his eight starts in Arizona, he completed 167 of 266 passes for 1,569 yards, recording eight touchdowns and five interceptions. His performance earned him an 81.2 passer rating, showcasing his ability to make an impact on the field.
This acquisition by the Vikings comes in response to a devastating injury to their starting quarterback, Kirk Cousins. Cousins suffered a torn Achilles tendon in a recent game against the Green Bay Packers, an injury that will keep him sidelined for the rest of the season. With Cousins out of the picture, the Vikings were left with a void at the starting quarterback position.
Furthermore, the Vikings’ backup QB, Nick Mullens, has been on Injured Reserve since October 11th due to a back injury. Although there is a possibility of his return as early as Week 10, Vikings Head Coach Kevin O’Connell has not confirmed whether he will be fully healthy at that point. This uncertainty left the Vikings in need of a reliable quarterback to lead the team.
The Vikings do have some options within their roster, including rookie QB Jaren Hall, who has received praise from Coach O’Connell for his potential. Additionally, the team recently welcomed back Sean Mannion to the practice squad. However, the decision of who will take on the role of the starting quarterback for Week 9 against the Atlanta Falcons has yet to be determined.
Joshua Dobbs’ journey to the Minnesota Vikings is a story of resilience and adaptability. The Alpharetta, Georgia native was a standout at the University of Tennessee, where he majored in aerospace engineering, showcasing his intelligence both on and off the field. Dobbs left his mark in the Volunteers’ record books, ranking fifth in program history with 7,138 career passing yards, fourth with 614 pass completions, and contributing to three Bowl game victories as the starting quarterback.
Dobbs’ NFL journey began when he was drafted in the fourth round of the 2017 NFL Draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers. He spent the 2017 and 2018 seasons with the Steelers before being traded to the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 1 of the 2019 season. Dobbs then had a second stint with the Steelers in 2020. His NFL journey continued with stints at the Detroit Lions, Cleveland Browns, and Tennessee Titans in 2022 before rejoining the Cleveland Browns in the spring. Finally, he was acquired by the Arizona Cardinals via trade on August 24th.
Throughout his NFL career, Dobbs has played in 16 games, starting in 10 of them. He has completed 217 of 351 passes for 2,025 yards, tallying 10 touchdowns and eight interceptions, with a passer rating of 77.6. This experience and versatility make him a valuable addition to the Vikings’ roster.
The acquisition of Joshua Dobbs by the Minnesota Vikings not only addresses an immediate need due to Kirk Cousins’ injury but also adds depth and experience to the team’s quarterback room. This move provides Coach Kevin O’Connell with more options and flexibility as he navigates the season. Vikings fans will undoubtedly be keeping a close eye on how Dobbs contributes to the team, and fantasy football players might want to consider him as an intriguing pickup. The upcoming games will reveal the impact of this trade, and it will be interesting to see how Dobbs fits into the Minnesota Vikings’ offensive scheme.
In conclusion, the Minnesota Vikings’ acquisition of Joshua Dobbs from the Arizona Cardinals is a significant move that addresses their quarterback needs. With Kirk Cousins sidelined due to injury, Dobbs brings experience and talent to the team, offering Coach Kevin O’Connell valuable options at the quarterback position. As the season unfolds, fans will be eagerly watching to see how Dobbs fits into the Vikings’ offensive scheme and how he contributes to the team’s performance.
By: M Z Hossain, Editor Sky Buzz Feed
