CFL QB Turned Down Vikings Offer Because They Didn't Want Him Threatening Kirk Cousins' Job

For better or worse (in 2019, it's been worse), the Minnesota Vikings are shackled to Kirk Cousins as their quarterback until the end of next season.

If Cousins were to go down with an injury, Minnesota's reserves aren't the most desirable in the world, as former Rams backup Sean Mannion and noodle-armed practice squad player Jake Browning are the only other QBs in the building. The Vikings wanted to bring in CFL star and 2018 Grey Cup champion Bo Levi Mitchell to compete for the backup job, but he turned them down after the Vikings stated they didn't want him to compete for the starting job.

While financially the move makes sense, considering the Vikings have $84 million in guaranteed money tied to Cousins, not allowing the player to even compete for the role is a bit questionable. At the very least it would light a fire under Cousins and force him to prove he's worthy of his frequently scrutinized contract.

Plus, Mitchell's resume north of the border speaks for itself. The former Eastern Washington star won Most Outstanding Player twice and took home two Grey Cups, becoming the first Stampeders QB to win two championships. Keep in mind, Doug Flutie played for them.

In his Canadian career, Mitchell has thrown for 26,205 yards and 150 touchdowns.

Rather than build the best 53-man team possible, Minnesota turned Mitchell down because they didn't want anyone to make the treasured Cousins sweat.

Something tells me the Vikings wouldn't mind having Mitchell in the building over Browning and Mannion at this point.