The most important and most expensive move the Vikings made this offseason came with the three-year, fully guaranteed $84 million deal they gave QB Kirk Cousins. At the same time those negotiations were ramping up, though, the Vikings made another low-key acquisition that could prove vital.

In a deal last week, they sent a fifth-round pick to the Broncos in exchange for quarterback Trevor Siemian and a seventh-round pick. Siemian started 24 games for Denver over the past two seasons. Given that the Vikings have had to go to Plan B at quarterback quickly each of the past two years, having a capable backup is important. The fact that Siemian is relatively cheap and young adds to the nice fit.

The move for the Vikings seemed to come out of nowhere, but for Siemian it was the end of a monthslong process. He and agent Mike McCartney — who is also Cousins' agent — shared some of the back story with SI.com.

Read Michael Rand's blog at startribune.com/randball. michael.rand@startribune.com.