The NFL trade deadline is fast approaching on Nov. 4, and there are probably many teams that will be keeping an eye on Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins. One such team could be the Minnesota Vikings, who are having multiple issues with their current quarterbacks, J.J. McCarthy and Carson Wentz.
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On Tuesday, Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell announced that Wentz would be the starter on a short week, as McCarthy tested out his ankle in a workout and was deemed “not quite there.” The bigger issue is that Wentz also has a shoulder issue, which could limit his production in practice.
O’Connell did state that Wentz would start on “Thursday Night Football” against the Los Angeles Chargers, but if the Vikings’ backup also regresses in his recovery, it would leave rookie Max Brosmer as the starter.
This has led to the rumors of Kirk Cousins returning to the team beginning to heat up again. Cousins was attached to the Vikings for months on end, but that could be more so the case with the trade deadline approaching.
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In fact, Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk predicted that the Vikings may explore the idea of bringing in Cousins.
“Then there’s this possibility. With two weeks left until the trade deadline arrives, could the Vikings pull the rip cord on the Kirk Cousins emergency option? While the Falcons possibly have a diminished appetite to trade Cousins now that starter Michael Penix Jr. is day-to-day with a bone bruise, the Vikings presumably would get through Thursday night’s game at the Chargers and the following Sunday’s visit to the Lions before making a final decision in the two remaining days before the time for 2025 trades ends,” Florio wrote.
There is a flaw in this plan, as Florio indicates, which is that the Falcons need Cousins right now. Michael Penix is dealing with a bone bruise, which could keep him out of Week 8. He is “day-to-day,” so that may not be the case.
Cousins offers the Falcons a huge security blanket for situations like this, and it was well established that Atlanta is not interested in moving him. However, desperate times call for desperate measures.
McCarthy may return in Week 9, but should he experience any sort of injury setback or delay, this could lead the Vikings to explore more quarterback help before the trade deadline approaches. Cousins is a long shot for anyone, especially in Minnesota.
Still, the Falcons may want some valuable trade assets and to potentially get rid of the large contract that Cousins has. The organization made its stance clear, but if the Vikings or some other team offers a draft pick in the higher rounds, Atlanta may not be able to say no.
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