Minnesota Vikings: 3 Bargain targets still available in 2019 NFL free agency

2. QB Brandon Weeden (Houston Texans)

No one is questioning the durability of seven-year quarterback Kirk Cousins, who has started every game for both the Washington Redskins and Minnesota Vikings, respectively, these past four seasons. But the 2016 Pro Bowl signal-caller comes off a year in which he took a share of hits behind an offensive line whose play was sporadic at best.

More significantly, Mike Zimmer’s team is in search of a backup signal-caller now that Trevor Siemian opted to leave via free agency for the New York Jets. Currently, the only other quarterback on the Vikings’ roster besides Cousins is Kyle Sloter.

While he is certainly up there in years in terms of actual age, Brandon Weeden is not your typical 35-year old quarterback. He doesn’t have a lot of wear and tear to deal with. He appeared in one game last season for the Houston Texans.

The 22nd overall pick in the 2012 NFL Draft by the Cleveland Browns hasn’t attempted a pass in a game since 2015. He’s been with four different teams in seven years and has played in a total of 35 regular-season contests. After making 10 starts as a rookie with the Browns, he’s been in the opening lineup a total of 10 times for several clubs since 2013.

Although Weeden has barely seen the field the past three seasons, Zimmer would still have a seasoned pro in reserve behind center.