5 paths the Vikings can take with Kirk Cousins this offseason

Franchise tag or trade

There might not be a better time for Minnesota to trade Kirk Cousins given his production and rise to prominence in 2019. And although it seems inconceivable, it is something that the Vikings’ front office would be remiss to not receive calls for if there are any enquiring teams.

This would depend on the offers, if any, Minnesota receives regarding a possible high draft pick for a team looking to get over the hump. Of course, anywhere the Vikings opt to possibly choose for him would have to be agreed by Cousins given the no-trade or transition tag clause in his current contract.

Cousins’ inability to perform at a high level on a consistent basis will make some teams hesitant to seek a trade. But there are enough teams around the NFL looking for help at the position that it could become a realistic possibility, especially if no extension talks happen or terms cannot be agreed upon this offseason.

Minnesota would need a strong contingency plan should this become an avenue of serious consideration. They do also have the possibility of franchise-tagging Cousins if he has a good season in 2020 and a new long-term deal has not been reached.

Given the fact Cousins has already been tagged twice in his career, any possible franchise placement would represent an astronomical 44 percent increase on his base salary from the previous year. This would be upwards of $40 million for one year and it would throw the Vikings’ plans for the 2021 season in disarray from a financial perspective.