Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
The Minnesota Vikings were officially eliminated from the playoffs following Sunday night’s resounding loss to the Green Bay Packers.
Playing without Kirk Cousins (COVID-19), the Vikes could not do anything in attack with Sean Mannion in the center. Their defense had no chance against Aaron Rodgers and Co.
With rumors circulating about Mike Zimmer’s future in the Twin Cities, we’ll also find out more about whether Cousins fits into Minnesota’s future.
Statistically, Cousins has been pretty good in Minnesota. Unfortunately, he continues to climb small when it matters most (32-29-1 record with the Vikings). Cousins, 33, is also expected to count $ 45 million against the cap in 2022. Minnesota can get away with a trade while saving around $ 10 million.
- Kirk Cousins statistics: 66.4% completion, 3,971 yards, 30 touchdowns, seven interceptions, score of 101.3
It is not yet clear if the Vikings will blow things up this upcoming offseason. In addition to Zimmer, general manager Rick Spielman could very well be in the hot seat. How that plays out will have a huge role in the situation for the Minnesota Vikings quarterback. Below, we take a look at five options for the team.
Related: 5 Candidates To Replace Mike Zimmer As Minnesota Vikings Head Coach
Minnesota Vikings roll with Kellen Mond
That says something Minnesota chose to start Mannion instead of that rookie third-round pick. Here’s a dude who hadn’t thrown a regular season pass since 2019 before starting Week 17. Geez, Zimmer noted before the game that he hadn’t even really considered starting Kellen Mond.
“There really wasn’t. We knew Sean would come back, and Sean is extremely brilliant, he studies like crazy, he’s a big competitor, ”Zimmer told reporters. “He invested his time, he deserved this opportunity and I think he will do very well.
So where does that leave Mond? Unless the Vikings blast their roster and rebuild themselves, it seems illogical to believe Mond would be the undisputed starter in 2022.
Even then, finances could certainly play a role here. Eating $ 35 million in a dead cap hit by Cousins trade would put Minnesota behind the proverbial eight bullets. Mond due to count $ 1.19 million against the cap in 2022, it would be a cheap option.
Related: Kirk Cousins Swaps Minnesota Vikings Scenarios
Minnesota Vikings trade for Jimmy Garoppolo
The idea here would be to swap Cousins for Jimmy GQ and use the latter as an interim solution in front of Mond. It’s not that Garoppolo is better than Cousins. Statistically, it is not. But Minnesota would be able to add a draft pick or two in this hypothetical trade with San Francisco. We know how much 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan loves Cousins. Why not try to take advantage of it?
For San Francisco, the idea would be for Cousins to start for a season until No.3 rookie Trey Lance is ready to go. This could make sense for both parties.
Related: NFL 2022 Simulation Project Update
Minnesota Vikings stay with Kirk Cousins
It doesn’t matter who calls the shots, this seems like the most likely scenario. The cousins’ hat trick is an albatross at this point. We’re not 100% sure what he might earn the Vikings in a potential trade or who might be interested.
As noted above, Cousins has been a damn good statistical quarterback since joining the Vikes in 2018. If no further improvement comes along, it would make more sense to keep Cousins for at least a season. Moreover.
Minnesota Vikings trade for Deshaun Watson
Of course, with any potential interest in Watson comes a caveat. He still faces charges of sexual misconduct from around 20 women, pending civil cases and potential criminal charges against Watson.
What we do know is that Watson would be a major improvement on the pitch over Cousins. If this situation were resolved to his liking, the Vikings should pounce. This is true even though the cost is several first-round picks and a few young players. The idea of Watson teaming up with Dalvin Cook and Justin Jefferson would be just too sexy.
Related: NFL Playoff and Super Bowl Prediction Updates
Minnesota Vikings trade for Russell Wilson
If Minnesota chooses to hunt big game for a new quarterback, Wilson would make the most sense. He’s rightfully likely to do so in Seattle amid rumors that the Super Bowl quarterback is at a tipping point with the Seahawks’ organization.
It is also very likely that Wilson will want to join a competitor. Minnesota would certainly be with the future Hall of Famer teaming up with Cook and Jefferson. He must also appreciate how committed the Vikings are to improving their offensive line.
- Kirk Cousins Contract: Ceiling of $ 45 million reached in 2022, free agent in 2023
- Russell Wilson Contract: Ceiling of $ 37 million reached in 2022, $ 40 million in 2023
As you can see, the contracts pretty much line up. Maybe Seattle decides he can still claim a playoff berth without Wilson. Adding Cousins to the mix as a bridge would make sense in this guise. Picking up several future first-round picks would also help the retooling process in the Pacific Northwest.
WATCH: Sportsnaut’s Carolyn Manno on Latest NFL Rumors
Comments are closed.