The Vikings signing quarterback Jordan Ta’amu on Friday raises eyebrows considering Minnesota already has Kirk Cousins, Nick Mullens and 2023 draft pick Jaren Hall at the quarterback position.
If none of Minnesota’s quarterbacks are injured, why bring in Ta’amu? Is it because the Vikings have seen enough of Hall to warrant giving him competition? Ta’amu hasn’t made it in the NFL since leaving Ole Miss in 2018, but he is the reigning XFL offensive player of the year.
If Hall doesn’t fit Minnesota’s plans, why did they take him in the first place? What’s more concerning is that the pick could hurt even more considering Hall was taken one pick before the Bears selected former Minnesota Golden Gophers cornerback Terell Smith.
Smith, oh by the way, is getting some pretty high praise as a rookie this preseason.
Jaylen Johnson and rookie second-round pick Tyrique Stevenson are Chicago’s projected starting outside corners, but Smith was getting first team reps earlier in training camp and he’s clearly put himself in position to have a legitimate role this season.
Stevenson admitted recently that he’s fighting for the starting job.
“They didn’t tell me anything but they made it real clear that it’s going to be a competition,” Stevenson said of his conversation with coaches, via NBC Sports Chicago.
Smith, 24, was All-Big Ten honorable mention as a fifth-year senior in 2022. If he develops into an impact player for the Bears while Vikings cornerbacks struggle, it could go down a significant swing and miss by the Vikings.
Hall was 6 of 14 passing for 37 yards in Minnesota’s preseason opener. In fairness, he was under heavy duress with third string offensive lineman protecting him. His next opportunity comes Saturday when the Vikings and Titans play at 7 p.m. CT.
