Awkward Vikings Trade Theory Emerges
Minnesota Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, without fail, completes at least one trade each summer.
A Vikings trade is not out of the realm of possibility this summer, but one idea is unlikely — and awkward.
The recently extended executive loves to wheel and deal, and this summer may be no different.
And according to Pro Football Network, Adofo-Mensah could pull the trigger on a deal for quarterback Kirk Cousins, who led the team from 2018 to 2023.
Per PFN, Vikings a Trade Destination for … Kirk Cousins
Cousins is at a standstill in Atlanta.
The Falcons benched him last season in favor of rookie passer Michael Penix Jr., and they’re not turning back. Atlanta actually drafted Penix Jr. six weeks after signing Cousins to a four-year, $180 million contract, so this murky situation is entirely their doing. No excuses.
And because Cousins may be an expensive distraction this season behind Penix Jr., the Vikings evidently represent a wise landing spot via trade. PFN’s Cameron Sheath sized up destinations for the 36-year-old, and Minnesota made the cut.
He wrote, “In truth, given Cousins’ age (he’ll be 37 at the start of the season), it’s difficult to look beyond the Steelers and the Saints, two teams that need an immediate starter, as likely destinations for Cousins. But the recurring mentions of the Minnesota Vikings regarding the aforementioned Rodgers make them an unlikely Wild Card for their former player’s signature.”
“Cousins’ hefty salary limits his potential landing spots to teams in immediate need of a starting quarterback — reportedly not including the Vikings. Minnesota is said to be confident in 2024 rookie J.J. McCarthy, despite the fact that he missed his entire first season with a patellar injury.”
The Vikings would be on the hook for a significant portion of Cousins’ contract — about $38 million. In that vein, the would-be trade really doesn’t add up. Minnesota just exited an era of financial constraint, chiefly because of Cousins’ contract and dead cap.
Sheath continued, “While the plan appears to be turning the offense over to McCarthy, it’s not out of the question that he may need more time to adjust. Some believe the former Michigan star is ready to shine from day one, while others are more skeptical. Regardless of his talent, there’s reason for caution when a young quarterback is coming off a serious injury.”
“As for Cousins, his situation remains a curious one. Just a year removed from a $180 million contract, he may find himself without a clear path to a starting job. If no team sees enough value to trade for him, he could remain on the Falcons’ bench indefinitely.”
Cousins No Shows at Falcons OTAs
Cousins trade fodder could hit a fever pitch before too long because the veteran passer did not attend the Falcons’ organized team activities (OTAs) last week.
He isn’t required until mandatory minicamp later this month, but on the surface, his no-show for OTAs sets the table for budding disgruntlement.
It’s also worth noting that Cousins has a no-trade clause, so he’d have to approve his future landing spot if the Falcons shipped him elsewhere.
Why the Vikings Don’t Make Sense for a Cousins Trade
Minnesota as the 2025 employer for Cousins doesn’t quite register for a few reasons.
- Trading for Cousins would symbolize backward thinking for a forward-thinking, progressive regime, led by Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and head coach Kevin O’Connell.
- Unsurprisingly, Cousins’ current contract is expensive, and the Vikings’ 2026 salary cap is already in skimpy shape.
- Minnesota already has Sam Howell for QB2 duty; he’s 12 years younger than Cousins.
- Why would Cousins leave a QB2 job in Atlanta for a QB2 job in Minnesota? The man wants to start somewhere; he can’t do that with the Vikings.
QB1 Options Limited for Cousins
By this time on the calendar, Cousins is in trouble if his goal is to find a starting quarterback’s job.
Free agency is about three months old, the draft wrapped up at the end of April, and almost every team has identified a QB1 for 2025.
That’s how the business works. Cousins’ best option may be waiting for a starting quarterback to get hurt — sadly, that’s inevitable — and he can then be viewed as a conquering hero to salvage a team’s season.
Saints, Steelers Make More Sense
Otherwise, the Pittsburgh Steelers or New Orleans Saints could perhaps make sense as trade partners for Cousins.
Sheath noted on a Cousins trade to New Orleans: “The New Orleans Saints have been candidates to add a veteran quarterback ever since it was reported that Derek Carr could miss the season with a shoulder injury. Carr has since retired, leaving the team with untested rookie Tyler Shough in position to lead the team in 2025.”
“Despite pressure to trade away assets and rebuild due to financial restraints in recent years, the Saints have refused to do so. That has no doubt left veterans like Cam Jordan and Alvin Kamara expecting to compete, which will require a competent quarterback.”
Cousins will turn 37 in August.
Sheath concluded, “Shough may turn out to be a great player for the Saints, but he completed just two seasons as a collegiate starter, one of which was shortened due to COVID-19. If the organization is determined to win in the short term, the chance to take Cousins from their division rivals may prove difficult to turn down.”
The long-game takeaway may be that Cousins’ days as a true QB1 are kaput.
And Vikings fans shouldn’t count on a Cousins trade. It’s rather outlandish.
Vikings Could Have a Controversy Brewing
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