Don’t Hold Your Breath Regarding the Latest Kirk Cousins Trade Rumors
Following the Minnesota Vikings 0-2 start, many national pundits have been putting QB Kirk Cousins into trade rumors once again.
The latest team that has been connected to Cousins is the New York Jets. Not only has Minnesota gotten off to a slow start, but the Jets lost Aaron Rodgers for the season due to a torn Achilles suffered in Week 1.
Even former Jets GM Mike Tannenbaum sugggested that New York should consider making a trade for Cousins rather than finishing the season with Zach Wilson. Even still, fans across the league probably shouldn’t hold their breath. Here are three reasons why a Cousins trade remains entirely unlikely.
That Pesky No-Trade Clause
First and foremost, even if the Jets and Vikings were interested in a trade involving Cousins, the Vikings QB can veto a trade at any time this season. His latest contract came with a no-trade clause, and both teams would need his approval in order for him to be moved at some point in the 2023 season.
Cousins has continuously said that he wants to retire with the Vikings as well. Considering how much he’s enjoyed his time in Minnesota along with his competitive spirit, the QB doesn’t seem like a player that would try to jump ship because of two poor games from his team.
The Vikings Can Still Turn This Ship Around
The Vikings may be 0-2 to begin the season, but there are still 15 games left in the year. There is plenty of time for Minnesota to turn this ship around. In fact, it can be argued that if they simply didn’t fumble the ball away so often (6 fumbles lost through the first two games), they would be 2-0 right now.
Furthermore, every other team in the NFC North lost during Week 2. Despite the disappointing losses, the Vikings remain just one game out of the division lead. With the Chargers coming to town in Week 3 and a road game against the Carolina Panthers in Week 4, there is a very real possibility of Minnesota being 2-2 and right back in the mix by the time October rolls around. It is far too early to call it quits on this season.
Cousins Has Been Fantastic
Even with this slow start, there is very little blame that can be placed on Cousins through the first two weeks. He has had a couple sloppy turnovers over the first two weeks, but outside of that, the QB has been fantastic.
Heading into the Monday night slate for Week 2, Cousins ranks third in completion percentage, second in passing yards, and tied for first in passing touchdowns while throwing just one interception. He played a terrific game against the Eagles and was the main reason why Minnesota was even in the game at the end.
Minnesota has left the door open for Cousins’ departure at the end of the year, but as of now, the QB has played like a top player in the NFL. Kwesi Adofo-Mensah has insisted that there is a possibility of Cousins returning to the team in 2024, and if he continues to play at a high level, that seems more and more likely to happen.
Josh Frey is a Class of 2020 graduate of The College of Idaho and managing editor of PurplePTSD.com. When he’s not writing about the NFL, Josh enjoys running, gaming, or rooting for the Milwaukee Brewers and Bucks. Check out his Twitter account: @Freyed_Chicken.