The Minnesota Vikings are in a tailspin and have no way to pull themselves out of it. With Justin Jefferson out for the foreseeable future, thanks to a hamstring injury, it’s obvious that this 1-4 Minnesota team should be punting on 2023 with a firesale so it can attempt a larger-scale rebuild.
The person likely at the center of any potential trade discussions in the coming weeks is veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins. Now in his 12th season, the 35-year-old is still playing well by his standards — putting up lots of lofty numbers, committing inexplicable turnovers at the worst possible time — but it’s readily apparent he would probably be best served to play on a winning team (or any team with a chance at January). Never mind that he’ll be an unrestricted free agent in 2024 and potentially won’t return to Minnesota next year anyway.
When Cousins spoke to a gathered media contingent Wednesday, a reporter who has connected these dots asked him whether he’d waive a no-trade clause to be moved. Cousins didn’t hesitate with his answer. He immediately transitioned to a Bill Belichick-like response, saying he’s just focused on beating the Chicago Bears this Sunday. Nothing more.
Hmm. That’s not a denial!
#Vikings QB Kirk Cousins was asked today if he'd waive his no-trade clause:
(📽️ @Vikings)pic.twitter.com/smKaJIcay4
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) October 11, 2023
LIVE: QB Kirk Cousins speaks to the media. https://t.co/LVKyFgf4EO
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) October 11, 2023
If I were a betting man, I’d say Cousins understands the rumors he’s been a part of very well. The veteran has likely heard aplenty about how he could seemingly lift the fledgling New York Jets up off the mat in recent weeks. He’s not stupid or blissfully unaware of his or his team’s situation. But he also knows that it doesn’t serve anyone involved to openly talk about trades in front of a microphone. That is a surefire path to ruining any leverage for the Vikings and himself to actually leave Minnesota.
So, Cousins probably really is just focused on the Bears — for now.
This is how Twitter reacted
this is agitated kirk, for those wondering https://t.co/jktZe3CrhV
— Dustin Baker (@DustBaker) October 11, 2023
Literal Belichick answer. Cousins to New England confirmed https://t.co/483VnGAaU7
— BM92 (@B_Millard92) October 11, 2023
This is "Frick you" Kirk Cousins. That's the most frustrated I've seen him off the field. https://t.co/PlLFkJXa4D
— Justin (@Oldenburg_58) October 12, 2023
If traded:
Likely: Patriots, Titans, Falcons, Steelers,Washington
Long shot: Jets, Cowboys, Chicago,Rams https://t.co/telGzVa2gX— Ej MSED (@Ed_NoEddy) October 12, 2023
Kirk one of the best in the league 🤷🏻♂️ what’s happening is not his fault https://t.co/qO9HgmwnZ0
— King_McManus (@mcmanus642) October 12, 2023
Kirk on the falcons would be crazy tho https://t.co/94xfP4r4Uk
— Uncle Elroy (@UncleelElroy34) October 11, 2023
That subtle side eye at the end -chefs kiss- https://t.co/26iYealVt9
— k a r l e e (@KarleeKanz) October 12, 2023
Translation: “Maybe.” https://t.co/h8Cj7sLRz7
— SB 🏈✨🦋 (@BigBro_21) October 11, 2023
Respect to Kirk for the way he handled that I’d be pissed if I was asked a question like that. https://t.co/YG9izT2RlT
— Micah Lensing (@Micahlensing23) October 12, 2023