Cookus signs with the Vikings after participating in a tryout with the club. He originally signed as an undrafted free agent out of Northern Arizona with the New York Giants in 2020 before spending a brief time with the Denver Broncos this year. As a four-year starter at NAU, Cookus threw for 12,082 career passing yards and 105 touchdowns to only 21 interceptions. After suffering a season-ending injury in 2018, Cookus rebounded nicely for the Lumberjacks in 2019, completing 290 of 481 passes, throwing for 4,114 passing yards and 31 touchdowns. The Thousand Oaks, Calif., native also earned the Jerry Rice Award in 2015, given to the most outstanding freshman player in FCS Football. Other notable Jerry Rice Award winners include Cooper Kupp (Rams), Chase Edmonds (Cardinals) and Trey Lance (49ers).
