Examining Options with Kirk Cousins

The bigger question we need to ask here is, what would trading Cousins mean for the Vikings?

For one, it would mean a total clean slate as the Adofo-Mensah/O’Connell era begins in Minnesota.

The Vikings might also shoot to the top of the list of teams that could draft a quarterback high in the 2022 or 2023 draft and look for a long-term franchise piece. In the short-term, a trade could also potentially mean something for Kellen Mond, too.

It would also mean the end of the Cousins era here after four seasons. When he signed here in 2018 as a free agent, many thought he was the missing piece for a team that was a win away from the Super Bowl the season before.

But the 2018 team and what will be the 2022 squad are vastly different. The Vikings themselves are in a much different place, with a new GM, head coach and direction of the franchise.

Perhaps the front office believes a change is needed at that position and want to capitalize on his value now.

If Cousins stays and then leaves as a free agent in 2023, Minnesota would likely get a compensatory pick. But if a trade this offseason would net them at the very least a third-rounder (and likely more) and also give the Vikings salary cap relief, then perhaps that’s the way to go. Compensatory picks are first available in the third round.

As I mentioned above, Cousins has plenty of strong traits, and is viewed as a solid starter across the league. If a team feels like he would elevate their team, a trade scenario is more than believable to comprehend.

The Vikings might want to take the pick(s) in that deal and look for the future, which seems bright with Adofo-Mensah and O’Connell at the helm.

But if a trade transpires in the coming weeks, that would mean Minnesota’s future obviously would not include Cousins.