3 Worst Offseason Moves From the Bears' NFC North Rivals

Minnesota Vikings Signing Sam Darnold

Did any team in the NFL go through a more drastic quarterback change than the Vikings? The downgrade between Kirk Cousins and Sam Darnold is so huge that it makes this a very baffling move.

After Cousins signed with the Atlanta Falcons, the Vikings had to act fast and decided to sign Darnold to a one-year, $10 million deal. The former third-overall pick has proven himself to not be a starting-caliber quarterback as he just signed with his third team in six seasons. However, he is somehow at the top of Minnesota's quarterback depth chart.

The Vikings could be seeing Darnold as a bridge quarterback as they try to find their signal-caller of the future. There are rumors that Minnesota is trying to trade up in the draft to select one of the premium QBs like JJ McCarthy, Drake Maye, or Jayden Daniels. Even if they don't trade up, there is a solid chance that they will draft the best quarterback available with their No. 11 pick.

If that is the plan, they probably could have gotten a cheaper, and presumably better backup quarterback. If that is not the plan, then they should have traded for a better starting quarterback.

Regardless of who is at the helm next season, their star receiver Justin Jefferson can not be thrilled about these developments. The team's offense, which already took a hit last season, projects to be even worse next year, putting the Vikings' playoff hopes in jeopardy.