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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