Pump The Brakes on The Kirk Cousins Trade Chatter
K. Joudry
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There’s still six more weeks and people are already diving into some Kirk Cousins trade speculation (and maybe more football, depending on how those aforementioned six weeks go). As a result, any chatter about moving on from the QB1 is premature. There’s plenty of ball left to be played, so let’s see what happens before getting ahead of ourselves.
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The current culprit, as Dustin discusses over on Vikings Territory, is Charley Walters of The Pioneer Press. Here is what the veteran journalist had to say:
Cousins, 33, is guaranteed $35 million next year, with a salary cap hit of $45 million. On the open market, Cousins, who has played well, probably would get a similar deal. Hint: It’s a good bet he would thrive under offensive-minded Saints coach Sean Payton.
Like many of you, I can’t stand the Saints. I get that Zim happens to be good friends with Payton, but I’ve never been a fan. Pulling off a major trade with him doesn’t feel quite right, though I hasten to add that my skepticism runs far beyond a mere dislike for the arrogant guy calling the shots for the Saints.
First, though, the merits of a trade.
A Kirk Cousins trade offers one distinct benefit: a lot of cap space. The good people at Over the Cap suggests a trade during the 2022 offseason would free up $35 million in room. That’s not an insignificant amount, especially if the team was able to get reasonably substantial compensation for the frick-saying pass thrower. Moreover, I’m as aware as anyone that the team has failed to elevate during Kirk’s time with the team. Instead of being the final piece, Cousins has led us to consistent mediocrity. It’s entirely plausible that he hasn’t been the main reason why the team has underperformed, and yet the fact remains that he has been the starting QB. Right or wrong, he’ll receive more than his fair share of praise or blame.
With that being said, here’s why the Kirk Cousins trade rumors are premature.
As it stands, Cousins ranks as one of 2021’s preeminent QBs:
If fancy numbers aren’t your thing, take a look at the more traditional stats. After 11 games, Cousins has put together a 67.7 completion % to partner with his 3013 passing yards. He has 23 TD passes and a 3 interceptions. He has been responsible for three game-winning drives, and has only been sacked 15 times. He has a 105.3 QB Rating.
By essentially any measure, Cousins is putting together an excellent season. Were it not for the team’s modest 5-6 record, Cousins would be getting serious MVP chatter. He has never been an All Pro, but this season may end that reality.
As I recently discussed, the Vikings are in a tricky financial situation next season. A trade might work, especially if the team does poorly over these next six games. If, on the other hand, Cousins leads the team to the postseason, Spielman may be inclined to take a different approach. An extension could lower that cap hit while also securing the QB position for a few more years.
Regardless, the trade speculation is definitely premature. Just enjoy the games that are left and let the offseason take care of itself.
