While some would assume Kirk Cousins would welcome a trade before the deadline to a contending team, an NFL insider makes an interesting case for why he may not want to leave the Minnesota Vikings.
The Minnesota Vikings and Kirk Cousins were one of the feel-good stories in 2022. They had an exciting offense led by superstar receiver Justin Jefferson and never seemed out of a game. That impressive play resulted in an NFC North title and a birth in the postseason.
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However, since Week 17 of last season, the team has been struggling. They lost two of their last three in 2022, including their playoff game, and to begin their 2023 campaign the Vikings have gotten off to a 1-4 start. With the team in a downward spiral and no clear signs of an impending turnaround — especially with Jefferson out for the next four games — there has been a lot of speculation they could be sellers at the NFL trade deadline.
- Kirk Cousins stats (2023): 1,498 yards, 13 TD, 4 INT, 101.7 rating
Kirk Cousins could veto being traded by Minnesota Vikings
The biggest chip that could be available is Cousins since the four-time Pro Bowler is a free agent after this season and can’t have a franchise tag placed on him in the offseason. Many assume the 35-year-old would welcome a move to a contending team. However, on Tuesday Bleacher Report NFL insider Jordan Schultz explained why there is a good chance Cousins could use his no-trade clause and veto any potential deal.
“Let’s consider the facts. He is a free agent after this season, regardless of what happens. He has a no-trade clause. He cannot be tagged. So if you’re Kirk Cousins, does it make sense to be traded? Does it make sense to go somewhere else for eight to 10 games? And the answer is probably no. Because if you’re Cousins, you understand despite the 1-4 record in Minnesota, right now is your best-case scenario in terms of building your free-agent market for what’s probably going to be your last really strong contract.
“You’re a top-10 quarterback in the league. You’re not winning, but you also know Minnesota is home. Why go to a team — for example the Jets — where you’d have to learn an entirely new playbook and make things work in a roster you really don’t know? So that’s why, if you’re Kirk Cousins, it probably doesn’t make sense to be traded.”
– Jordan Schultz
The 2023 NFL trade deadline is on Oct. 31. Cousins is likely to garner a lot of interest since he has had a strong season this year.