Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins surfaced in NFL trade rumors long before Justin Jefferson landed on injured reserve. With the All-Pro wide receiver out indefinitely, there’s been even more buzz regarding Cousins’ future with Minnesota.
After being hired as Vikings general manager, Kwesi Adofo-Mensah never fully committed to Cousins as the team’s long-term quarterback. While he has played in Minnesota since, the front office always hinted at a desire to find an eventual successor as the face of the franchise.
- Kirk Cousins contract: $20.5 million cap hit in 2023, 2024 free agent
Related: Latest on New York Jets’ interest in Kirk Cousins
With Jefferson sidelined and Minnesota’s spot in the 2024 NFL Draft order now becoming a higher priority, there’s been increased speculation of Cousins being traded. However, it’s reportedly still possible that the Pro Bowl quarterback will return to Minnesota in 2024.
During an appearance on The Rich Eisen Show, FOX Sports’ Jay Glazer shared his belief stemming from training camp that the Vikings want Cousins back next year.
“I think the Vikings want him back…At least in camp they did. I haven’t been back there since camp, but I think they wanted him back then.”
Jay Glazer on Kirk Cousins’ future with Minnesota Vikings
- Kirk Cousins stats 2023: 1,498 passing yards, 13-4 TD-INT, 67.2% completion rate, 101.7 QB rating, 299.6 passing yards per game, 7.3 yards per attempt
Related: NFL reporter explains why Kirk Cousins trade is unlikely
Cousins isn’t currently expected to be traded this season. While a lack of suitors is part of the problem if Minnesota wanted to trade him, Cousins also has a no-trade clause. Given how much he and his family love the areas, it’s highly unlikely the veteran quarterback would approve a trade anywhere.
As for Cousins’ long-term future with the Vikings, he’d obviously prefer to stay in Minnesota. Complicating matters for him is where the franchise will be picking in the 2024 NFL Draft. Depending on how high they select, the Vikings will likely draft a quarterback.
Cousins’ free-agent market in 2024 also figures to be interesting. The New York Jets will have Aaron Rodgers back, while a majority of AFC teams either already have a franchise quarterback or will draft one.
While there will be several NFC teams potentially interested in signing Cousins, he still might face limited options thanks to the 2024 quarterback class. As for a possible return to Minnesota, the Vikings’ final record and Cousins’ performance without Jefferson will have a heavy influence on the organization’s decision.
