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

Kirk Cousins isn’t going to change

The Vikings were down late in their playoff game with the New York Giants. It was 4th-and-8 and the Vikings needed to pick up the first down to keep their season alive. Cousins, who had led Minnesota on eight fourth-quarter comebacks this season dropped back to throw and looked downfield. With the season on the line, Cousins reared back and completed a three-yard pass to T.J. Hockenson. After the game ended, Cousins said something that few quarterbacks have uttered.

“I didn’t feel good about putting it up to Justin [Jefferson].”

To a degree, Kirk was right. Jefferson was double-teamed on the sideline and making a through could have resulted in a turnover. But Cousins had nothing to lose and still made the decision to make the safe play and hope his tight end could rumble for five yards.

No matter how many yards or touchdowns Kirk Cousins throws for, this has been the story of his career. It was ingrained into his brain at Michigan State to limit turnovers and manage the game. Multiple coaches have tried to re-wire Cousins to take more chances but each time, Cousins relies on what has gotten him here.

At age 35, Cousins is what he is. There is no “extra gear,” but some teams and fans are still convinced there’s something more. Maybe Cousins could get over that hump, but time is running out.

With a new window on the horizon, it’s time to move on from Cousins and begin the next era of Vikings football.