The Minnesota Vikings are gearing up for the 2023 season, and as part of their preseason preparations, they are taking a close look at each player on their 90-man roster. In this player profile, we’ll be examining quarterback Nick Mullens, who is ranked 50th on the roster.
Mullens, standing at 6’0 and weighing 210 lbs, has five years of experience in the NFL. He played college football at Southern Miss before entering the professional league. Throughout his NFL career, Mullens has participated in 24 games, making 13 starts. He has an impressive completion rate of 65.3%, totaling 5,085 passing yards, 27 touchdowns, and 23 interceptions.
The best-case scenario for Mullens is to remain as the backup quarterback for the Vikings. Widely regarded as one of the best backups in the league, Mullens has proven that he can effectively step in when called upon. If he is not required to play, it means that the Vikings’ starting quarterback, Kirk Cousins, remains healthy throughout the season. However, if Cousins were to suffer an injury, Mullens has the ability to win games and keep the team on track.
On the flip side, the worst-case scenario for Mullens would be if he fails to consistently perform as a starter. Although he has shown promise as a backup, his overall record of 5 wins and 12 losses as a starter raises concerns. Additionally, the fact that most of his starts came with the San Francisco 49ers, who had a highly-regarded play caller, raises further doubts about his ability to excel as a starter.
Looking ahead to the 2023 season, Mullens seems to have secured a spot on the roster with his mostly guaranteed salary. However, he will face competition from Jaren Hall for the backup quarterback position. While Mullens is expected to start the season as QB2, if Hall outperforms him and earns the backup job, Mullens could potentially be traded, similar to his move from the Raiders to the Vikings.
As the Vikings continue their preseason preparations, it’s clear that they have a capable backup in Nick Mullens. Whether he remains in that role or has an opportunity to start will depend on various factors, including Kirk Cousins’ health and Mullens’ own performance. Regardless, Mullens brings stability and experience to the quarterback position, providing valuable depth for the Vikings’ roster.
This Vikings Wire article is part of their ongoing series where they rank and provide profiles for each player on the team’s 90-man roster. As the season approaches, fans can look forward to gaining insights into the team’s lineup, strengths, and areas of improvement.
