With the Minnesota Vikings struggling to the tune of a 1-4 record so far this NFL season, they are dealing with some serious questions as far as their future, especially their immediate future.
There are all sorts of trade rumors swirling around, and many of them surround Kirk Cousins, their 35-year-old starting quarterback. While he is leading the NFL in completed passes and touchdown passes and is second in passing yards, the team is clearly going nowhere with him.
He is in the final year of his contract, and all things being equal, Minnesota would seem better off trading him and getting some value in return for him rather than letting him walk in free agency next spring.
NFL NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Kirk Cousins & Minnesota Vikings Updates
Head coach Kevin O’Connell reportedly made a comment about the Vikings’ QB situation that may imply they’re open to trading Cousins.
“The Minnesota Vikings signed former Golden Gophers quarterback Tanner Morgan as an emergency backup in Week 5 in the wake of Nick Mullens suffering a back injury midweek,” wrote Trevor Squire.
“Addressing Mullens’ timeline to return, head coach Kevin O’Connell said on Monday, October 9, that the Vikings could explore a roster move at quarterback if Mullens misses more time, according to the Star Tribune’s Ben Goessling.”
There are a number of teams that could use Cousins under center, even if he would only be a stopgap solution for them. One potential destination that has been mentioned for him is the New York Jets, who lost future Hall of Famer Aaron Rodgers to a torn Achilles on their first offensive series of the season. It is clear they will likely miss the playoffs yet again if they have to finish out the season with Zach Wilson at the controls.
NFL NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Kirk Cousins & Minnesota Vikings Updates
Moving forward, the Vikings have Justin Jefferson, who is arguably the best wide receiver in the game, and given the fact that he’s 24 years of age, they may have enough time to retool while he’s still a bona fide stud if they start now.
Getting some assets for Cousins, who is a four-time Pro Bowl selection, including in both of the last two seasons, coupled with a high draft pick this spring could give Minnesota a solid beginning on a potential rebuilding project — if it does decide to commit to an actual rebuilding project.
