4 options the Vikings have with Kirk Cousins in 2022
By Dean Jones
Vikings trade Kirk Cousins
Should the Vikings decide on a complete makeover, then trading Kirk Cousins is a realistic option. His fully guaranteed $35 million might put some teams off making such a move, but the quarterback would be a substantial upgrade for many across the league based on what we’ve seen this season.
Much would also depend on the compensation involved. The Vikings would want a high-end draft pick in return possibly, although they might have to make sacrifices and eat some of Cousins’ salary to make this a reality.
A recent article from CBS Sports listed the Cleveland Browns, Denver Broncos, and Carolina Panthers as potential destinations for Cousins, with his previous relationships with Kevin Stefanski and George Paton coming under the microscope.
"“If Mike Zimmer and/or Rick Spielman are replaced, they might prefer to save money and restart the QB search. Kevin Stefanski feels just as likely to pay $35M for Cousins than extend Baker Mayfield in Cleveland, and Broncos GM George Paton, who helped land Kirk in Minnesota, would surely call.”"
This is a big call to make, obviously.
However, there will come a time when the Vikings must look to the future. Getting draft capital for Cousins instead of the signal-caller walking away for nothing in 2023 is an option worth considering, at the very least.