3 ways the Vikings can land Tua Tagovailoa in the 2020 NFL Draft

TUSCALOOSA, ALABAMA - NOVEMBER 09: Tua Tagovailoa #13 of the Alabama Crimson Tide throws a pass during the first half against the LSU Tigers in the game at Bryant-Denny Stadium on November 09, 2019 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
TUSCALOOSA, ALABAMA - NOVEMBER 09: Tua Tagovailoa #13 of the Alabama Crimson Tide throws a pass during the first half against the LSU Tigers in the game at Bryant-Denny Stadium on November 09, 2019 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) Kirk Cousins
(Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) Kirk Cousins /

Trade Cousins and picks

Another option that may secure the services of Tua Tagovailoa for the Vikings is figuring out a way to move current quarterback Kirk Cousins to the Dolphins.

Cousins is heading into the final year of his $84 million deal and he is coming off the best season of his career that resulted in a trip to the Pro Bowl. His stock has never been higher even though some still doubt his ability to get his team over the hump.

A possible contract extension seems to be a long way off as Minnesota adopts a wait and see approach before making another substantial financial investment in Cousins. Offering Miami a proven starting quarterback, their first and second-round picks this year, and a first-round selection from next year would definitely warrant consideration.

This is a huge commitment for a player coming out of college, but Tagovailoa could be special. If the Dolphins have doubts about his longevity, then they can take on a quarterback like Cousins for a year before looking to the 2021 NFL Draft for their long-term replacement and get more high-end picks to aid their rebuild.

One thing Minnesota will not want to do should this scenario happen is throw Tagovailoa into the deep end. They would need to bring in a veteran quarterback who can hold down the fort for a bit and enable him to return to full health during the 2020 season. Then Tagovailoa can make a real go of things during his second year in the wake of Cousins’ absence.

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There is also Cousins’ no-trade clause to consider, so he would have to agree to any move that is finalized between Minnesota and Miami. One would think the veteran quarterback would want some long-term security if he was to depart for South Beach and this is something the Dolphins might now be willing to do initially.