2 pros and 3 cons of playing out the final year of Kirk Cousins’ contract
By Luke Parrish
Kirk Cousins’ value will never be higher on the trade market
Russell Wilson was just traded for two first-round picks, two second-round picks, and three starting-caliber players. Wilson, who has put up similar numbers to Kirk Cousins over the past three seasons, was always a good marker of what to expect for Cousins in any sort of trade discussion.
Carson Wentz, who struggled mightily when the Colts needed him in 2021, was traded for two third-round picks and the Commanders agreed to take on his entire contract in the process. Even with a massive cap hit in 2022, Kirk Cousins is going to have a market that the Vikings should maximize.
The Vikings have far too many holes on the roster to realistically compete next season. They were barely a playoff hopeful in 2021 and are set to lose several key players on the defensive side of the ball and have some questions to answer on offense as well with Adam Thielen and Tyler Conklin.
With high-end starters going for multiple first-round picks and then some, the Vikings may never see a better return in a trade. The only draft pick the Vikings could get in exchange for Kirk Cousins if he plays out his contract would be a compensatory selection after Cousins signs elsewhere in 2023.
The Carolina Panthers could get desperate and offer the sixth overall pick in 2022 on top of other selections. Indianapolis could be in the market for a starting quarterback after trading Carson Wentz. If the Colts offered a 2023 first-round pick, the Vikings would be smart to take that and set themselves up for a trade next season if they want to go get a franchise guy in the draft.