THE Minnesota Vikings reportedly have their eyes set on a veteran quarterback after not pursuing the four-time NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers.
The possible decision would come at a cost, however, for the Vikings, who are coming off a 14-3 season.
The Vikings shared their belief in 2024 first-round quarterback JJ McCarthy, who missed last season due to a torn meniscus, to lead their offense for this upcoming season.
Minnesota also revealed that they aren’t looking to sign Rodgers, who’s still a free agent and is currently linked to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
But on Monday, ESPN’s Adam Schefter mentioned the Vikings and Steelers – both teams most commonly connected to Rodgers – when discussing the Atlanta Falcons and Kirk Cousins’ future.
Schefter speculated that one of those two teams could trade for Cousins and added that the Falcons are allegedly asking teams to pay $20 million of the $45 million in guaranteed money left on his contract.
“There is a feeling around the league that a team, whether it is the Vikings or Steelers, might be willing to pay down roughly $10 million. How much any team would be willing to pay also would influence the compensation it gives up,” the ESPN insider wrote.
“How much any team would be willing to pay also would influence the compensation it gives up.
“The higher the payment, the lower the draft compensation; the lower the payment, the higher the draft compensation.
“The Falcons and Cousins, who has a no-trade clause, recognize their future is not together, and how it will play out could very well be influenced by this draft.”
Cousins lost his starting role to then-rookie Michael Penix in Week 15 after throwing a league-high 16 interceptions.
The 36-year-old had signed a four-year, $180 million contract last year, and now the two sides seem interested in parting ways.
The Cleveland Browns have long been viewed as a favorite to trade for Cousins.
The franchise has a need at the quarterback position as Deshaun Watson underwent surgery in January after re-rupturing his Achilles, and only signed Kenny Pickett.
Cousins can waive his no-trade clause, and has committed to the Falcons that he wants to spend the rest of his NFL career as a starter.
The Browns, who went 3-14 last season, could give him that opportunity.
However, Cousins could prefer a better destination like the Steelers, who are coming off a 10-7 season and currently don’t have a starting quarterback option.
And Cousins could also want to return to the Vikings, where he earned three Pro Bowl selections and ranks third in the team’s all-time passing yards list.
It would be all up to the Vikings, who reportedly are open to paying down $10 million to trade for Cousins, as well as a new contract for the veteran.
But it’s most likely better for both the Falcons and Cousins to put together a trade until after this week’s 2025 NFL Draft.
The quarterback landscape will be clearer next week and beyond, as Cousins won’t be in a situation where he could be surprised by a team drafting a quarterback in the first round – just like the one he dealt with in Atlanta.
GettyVeteran quarterback Kirk Cousins’ future with the Atlanta Falcons is gloomy as he’s a trade fit for numerous teams including his former team Vikings[/caption] Read More Details
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