Kirk Cousins Is Vikings Nightmare Fuel
The Minnesota Vikings don’t currently have a backup quarterback. Young quarterback J.J. McCarthy is in line to operate as the starter for Kevin O’Connell’s offense this season. That’s not a bad thing, and he could certainly represent a greater talent than what Sam Darnold brought a season ago.
Kirk Cousins Is Vikings Nightmare Fuel
Ultimately, the Vikings have to bring in another quarterback. They aren’t going to roll with just McCarthy and Brett Rypien. It makes sense for the organization to grab a veteran signal caller that can hold the clipboard and help to develop the former Michigan product. The worst-case scenario would be for that player to be Kirk Cousins.
It’s all fine that Kirk Cousins put in some good time with the Minnesota Vikings. There were highs and lows, but as he has always done, he chased the money and went to Atlanta last offseason. Then he stunk and was benched for first-round pick Michael Penix Jr. Even after paying big money for the free-agent quarterback, the Falcons didn’t believe in Cousins enough to pass up on drafting his replacement.
Of course, Cousins is now soured on his current team. He wants no part in playing the backup role in Atlanta and probably feels embarrassed. That level of humility may be a good thing for the longtime veteran. As a trade candidate, he’s looking for an opportunity to get onto the field.
That isn’t going to happen out of the gate in Minnesota, but if McCarthy struggles or winds up hurt again, then Cousins could work his way in. He definitely has a good relationship with O’Connell and the coaching staff. He’d likely try to weasel that into some preferential treatment.
Realistically, though, there’s just no reason for Minnesota to entertain this outcome. McCarthy should be the unquestioned starter if a veteran backup is brought in. There’s no reason to allow that type of quarterback to come hunting for his job. Kirk may play nice on the surface, but he has always been looking out for himself.
Aaron Rodgers being brought in as a new starter wouldn’t thrill many fans. That is still a better outcome than Cousins being on the roster.
Ted Schwerzler is a blogger from the Twin Cities that is focused on all things Minnesota Twins and Minnesota Vikings. He’s active on Twitter and writes daily for Minnesota Sports Fan. As a former college athlete and avid sports fan, covering our pro teams with a passion has always seemed like such a natural outlet.
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