The Dirty Little Secret about Kirk Cousins’ New Contract
After two months of offseason speculation about whether Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins would be traded to the Broncos, Browns, Panthers, or Steelers, the 32-year-old passer is staying put in the NFC North, extending his services with the Vikings for an extra year.
And the QB1, who’s been the signal-caller in Minnesota for four seasons, was pretty happy about it.
There was a wildcard bit of information in the contract, though, that most followers of the Vikings didn’t expect — a no-trade clause.
When Cousins first joined the franchise in 2018, general manager Rick Spielman slapped a no-trade contingency onto the deal, meaning any trade by the Vikings involving Cousins would require approval from the player. However, in 2020 when Minnesota re-upped with Cousins, the no-trade verbiage was removed.
That’s why the trade speculation since January has been rampant — the Vikings could trade Cousins to the New York Jets, for example, and Cousins would be forced to oblige.
But Cousins has the power once again.
The no-trade caveat shouldn’t be a wild surprise. Most quarterbacks with fat contracts are afforded such respect, maintaining control of their respective futures. What makes this go-round a little noteworthy is the lack of a no-trade clause “last time.”
Some folks were unimpressed by the no-trade insertion into the deal. Drew Magary from Defector tweeted this:
Overall, at this exact time next year — when offseason rumors are trickling the soundwaves and airwaves — the trade speculation surrounding Cousins won’t be as thunderous. Instead of spitballing all the places on the map the Vikings could trade Cousins, a narrower list will be in order as the quarterback must rubberstamp the deal.
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In reducing the 2022 cap hit — the $45 million on the docket for Cousins was widespread for shock value — the Vikings had to “give a little” and surrender some power. So, just like 2018-2019, Cousins cannot be traded without his consent.
Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. His YouTube Channel, VikesNow, debuts in March 2022. He hosts a podcast with Bryant McKinnie, which airs every Wednesday with Raun Sawh and Sally from Minneapolis. His Viking fandom dates back to 1996. Listed guilty pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, ‘The Sopranos,’ and The Doors (the band).
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