Vikings Are Players Aboard the QB Carousel
The trade rumors are buzzing around the NFL, and the Vikings have been implicated.
The Colts and Seahawks are rumored to be potential suitors for Kirk Cousins. ProFootballNetwork also linked the Vikings to Deshaun Watson trade rumors.
Things are heating up now that there are less than 48 hours until the tampering period opens. The weekend before the tampering period is usually a busy weekend. This weekend is shaping up to be active with news breaking of Amari Cooper being traded to the Browns.
There will be additional movement around the league as teams work to become compliant with the salary cap. Where do the Vikings stand? What will they need to give up to bring in Watson? Is Watson worth the trouble?
Vikings Are Eyeing Deshaun Watson
Deshaun Watson was a healthy scratch for the entire 2021 season. The Houston Texans refused to cut Watson while under investigation for alleged sexual misconduct. While the civil portion of the case is ongoing, the criminal courts did not bring an indictment forward on Watson. This ruling cleared the way for teams to begin inquiring about a trade.
As of now, there are six teams showing interest in Watson. The teams interested in Watson include the Panthers, Saints, Seahawks, Buccaneers, Browns, and the Vikings. Based on these teams, it’s difficult to imagine the Vikings have the draft capital necessary to compete in a bidding war.
The Seahawks just got a haul of picks by trading Russell Wilson to the Broncos. Because of all of the picks the Seahawks have, it would not be a surprise to see them win out on a trade. However, it is possible to see a three-team or four-team trade.
If the Vikings are serious about trading Kirk Cousins and acquiring Deshaun Watson, a multi-team trade is the most conceivable way forward. Consider this trade:
Vikings Receive:
Deshaun Watson and Browns 3rd round pick
Browns Receive:
Kirk Cousins and Vikings 4th round pick
Texans Receive:
Baker Mayfield and Vikings 2022 1st and 3rd round pick and 2023 1st and 2nd round pick.
It’s not clear if this compensation would work out for all the teams involved. However, a transaction similar to this seems like the only way the Vikings can get rid of Cousins and acquire Watson.
Is Deshaun Watson Worth the Trade?
While Watson is not criminally charged, it’s not clear if he will be suspended by the NFL Commissioner for misconduct. Additionally, the civil cases are still ongoing but would likely be resolved by the time the season begins. However, there is one more critical point. The allegations are going to cause media distraction in the locker room.
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Media distractions can be a massive deal for an NFL team. Especially one like the Vikings who have new leadership. Does it make sense for an inexperienced general manager and head coach to take on a potential distraction?
Deshaun Watson clearly is one of the most talented younger quarterbacks in the league. And the idea of pairing him with Jefferson, Thielen, Smith Jr., and Cook sounds like one of the most explosive offenses in the league. However, it would be a surprise to see Kwesi make this move. But we don’t know the kind of GM Kwesi will be, so maybe this is the exact splashy move he wants to make.
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