5 reasons why the Vikings should consider trading Kirk Cousins in 2023

Kirk Cousins is close to the age cliff

The other solution to this problem is to convince Kirk Cousins to sign a long-term deal with a modest cap hit. This way, money can be pushed to the back end of the contract, giving the Vikings short-term flexibility to improve other areas of the team.

If Cousins were 25-years-old, this would be a great idea. With Cousins set to turn 35 in August, it’s a risky decision.

Since the 1970 merger only 10 quarterbacks age 35 or older have posted a passer rating over 100 in a single season. These seem like high bars to clear, but with a career passer rating of 99.6, it’s the standard Cousins has established.

In addition, none of those quarterbacks won the Super Bowl in those seasons although Peyton Manning (age 39 in 2015), John Elway (age 37 in 1997 and age 38 in 1998), and Tom Brady (age 43 in 2020) won because of the overall talent of the team around them.

When looking at Cousins’ situation, there are several reasons why his performance could decline. Last season, Cousins posted his lowest completion percentage since 2017 (65.9 percent) and his lowest air yards per attempt (7.0) and passer rating (92.5) since 2015.

While Cousins’ career-high 14 interceptions could be due to Kevin O’Connell’s desire to throw the ball downfield, Cousins also was playing behind an offensive line that allowed him to be hit or sacked 127 times last season.

Although he’s missed just one start over his five seasons with Minnesota, it’s unlikely that Cousins is the T-1000 and those hits should take their toll.

Much like Russell Wilson and Matt Ryan last year, Cousins is teetering on the edge of the cliff. If the Vikings wanted to make a trade, his stock will never be higher than it is now.