Why keeping Kirk Cousins might be what the Vikings do in 2022

The future of Kirk Cousins with the Minnesota Vikings has been subject to speculation since the offseason began, but recent moves should point to the QB staying.

Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins has been subjected to trade rumors frankly since head coach Mike Zimmer and general manager Rick Spielman were fired this offseason.

Replaced by former Los Angeles Rams offensive coordinator Kevin O’Connell and Cleveland Browns vice president of football operations Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, the direction of the Vikings has been a mystery, starting with the player who landed what was the most lucrative fully-guaranteed contract in NFL history back in 2018.

There has been significant movement within the NFL regarding the quarterback position before free agency has officially started. Most notably, the Seattle Seahawks traded Russell Wilson traded to the Denver Broncos, and the Indianapolis Colts traded Carson Wentz headed to the Commanders.

With NFC North rival Aaron Rodgers staying within the division and headed back to the Green Bay Packers for an 18th season, Cousins arguably remains the best quarterback in the league that may or may not be available.

Recent QB moves give reason to believe Kirk Cousins will be with the Minnesota Vikings for the 2022 season

Cousins has a strong market to sell as being the best available quarterback, given the unknown legal status of Houston Texans signal-caller Deshaun Watson and a safer, healthier selection than the San Francisco 49ers’ Jimmy Garoppolo. But the signs should point to No. 8 remaining in purple and gold.

The Broncos gave up a king’s ransom for Wilson, moving on from draft bust Drew Lock, and unloading tight end Noah Fant and defensive lineman Shelby Harris in addition to a surplus of draft picks. The Commanders gave the Colts multiple second-round picks for Wentz in addition to taking on his $28 million cap hit.

Washington’s move raises questions, but selling the farm for the former Super Bowl champion is a move the Broncos felt like they needed to do. With those precedents set, it’s hard to gauge the market for a 33-year-old .500 quarterback with a $45 million cap hit in 2022.

Though O’Connell seemed to be non-committal on Cousins’ future, the rest of the NFL might be just as well. Additionally, with cheaper options available such as Marcus Mariota, Jameis Winston, and Mitchell Tribusky available, teams may look to them as cheaper stop-gap options than a quarterback with a 1-2 record in the postseason.