Former Steelers QB Joshua Dobbs traded from Arizona to Minnesota

The Minnesota Vikings have acquired quarterback Joshua Dobbs in a trade with the Arizona Cardinals, adding depth following Kirk Cousins' injury.

In a surprising move just before the NFL trade deadline, the Minnesota Vikings have agreed to acquire quarterback Joshua Dobbs from the Arizona Cardinals. This acquisition comes in response to the season-ending injury to their starting quarterback, Kirk Cousins. The deal is pending the completion of a physical for Dobbs, who was previously traded to the Cardinals from the Cleveland Browns on August 24.

The Vikings will be sending a 2024 sixth-round draft pick to the Cardinals in exchange for Dobbs. Additionally, they will receive a conditional 2024 seventh-rounder. Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell expressed his satisfaction with the immediate solution, stating that it provides them with a quality player without compromising their future.

In another trade agreement, the Vikings have also reached a deal with the Jacksonville Jaguars to trade left guard Ezra Cleveland for a 2024 sixth-round draft pick. This trade is also pending completion of a physical for Cleveland with the Jaguars. The pick being sent to Minnesota originally belonged to the Carolina Panthers.

Dobbs, a fourth-round draft pick from Tennessee in 2017, will now join his seventh team in seven seasons. He previously played for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2018 and 2020. This season, he started all eight games for the Cardinals while Kyler Murray recovered from a knee injury. With Murray's imminent return, Dobbs became expendable.

In the absence of Cousins, rookie Jaren Hall will take on the starting role for the Vikings. Hall, a fifth-round draft pick from BYU, made his debut in the fourth quarter against the Green Bay Packers after Cousins suffered a right Achilles tendon tear. He will make his first career start against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday. O'Connell expressed his hope that Hall will perform well and stated that the team will continue to prepare Dobbs as if he were one snap away from playing.

Dobbs had some notable performances with the Cardinals this season, especially in the first three weeks. He threw for 1,569 yards, eight touchdowns, and five interceptions. He also rushed for 258 yards and three touchdowns, ranking third among quarterbacks in rushing yards. Dobbs' intelligence and quick grasp of the offense have been praised, and his background in aerospace engineering at Tennessee demonstrates his aptitude for learning complex systems.

The Vikings' most experienced option at quarterback, aside from Cousins, was Nick Mullens, who is currently sidelined with a back injury. To create an active roster spot, the Vikings placed Cousins on injured reserve. Mullens has been on the list for three weeks, along with star wide receiver Justin Jefferson.

The trade involving Cleveland provides the Jaguars with depth at left guard. They have struggled to find consistency at that position this season, but rookie Walker Little is expected to reclaim the starting job after their bye week. Cleveland's former coach in Minnesota, Phil Rauscher, is now the Jaguars' offensive line coach.

Despite the challenges posed by Cousins' absence, the Vikings still have hope of remaining competitive. Their defense has been effective, and there has been improvement in pass protection. Hall will have the support of O'Connell, who is known for his play-calling and quarterback tutoring.

O'Connell also addressed the long-term plan at quarterback for the Vikings, suggesting that Cousins could potentially return next year despite his expiring contract. He expressed his admiration for Cousins and stated that he believes Cousins was playing at an elite level before his injury.

Overall, the acquisitions of Dobbs and the trade involving Cleveland demonstrate the Vikings' commitment to finding immediate solutions to their quarterback situation. While Hall takes on the starting role for now, the team remains prepared with Dobbs as a backup option. The Vikings will continue to navigate the challenges and work towards their goal of staying competitive in the league.

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