Kirk Cousins Not Looking To Waive No-Trade Clause For Minnesota Vikings Would Be A Mistake

More likely that not, Kirk Cousins will end the 2023 season with the Minnesota Vikings.

As reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter just prior to the Vikings’ Week 6 game against the Chicago Bears, Cousins likely won’t waive his no-trade clause and will remain in Minnesota this season during the final year of his contract.

“Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins is expected to remain in Minnesota this season and will not look to waive the no-trade clause in his contract, league sources told ESPN,” writes Schefter.

And while Cousins obviously has his reasons — family being situated in the local area likely being one of them — it’s a mistake from a career standpoint to rule out the idea of playing for another team in 2023.

While Schefter leaves open the idea of Cousins playing for a “contending team with a familiar offense,” one would assume that means a clear-cut contender in order for the 35-year-old quarterback to waive his no-trade clause.

Among teams that will be looking for a quarterback at the trade deadline, only the New York Jets emerge as a team — a possible contender — seeking one.

No team has been linked to Cousins more than the Jets since Aaron Rodgers’ season-ending Achilles injury in Week 1. Rightfully so considering the connection between both sides makes perfect sense.

Entering Week 6, the Vikings are 1-4. Making matters even worse is that star wide receiver Justin Jefferson is out for the next four-to-six weeks due to a hamstring injury. For perspective on how big of an injury this is, Jefferson led the NFL in targets during the 2022 season and currently ranks fourth in the league in targets for the 2023 season.

In other words, Cousins will be without the best wide receiver in the NFL for key games against the likes of the San Francisco 49ers, Green Bay Packers, Atlanta Falcons and New Orleans Saints during that time frame.

Those all possible playoff contenders, with the remaining three being teams that the Vikings would be contending with for a remaining NFC Wild Card spot. Entering Week 6, the Vikings trail all but three teams in the NFC. Realistically speaking, Minnesota won’t be in the playoff picture in 2023.

On the other hand, the Jets — a team that features a defensive unit capable of leading a team to the playoffs — is desperately missing just one piece, a franchise quarterback. Cousins could be that missing piece as the Jets seek to contend for a Super Bowl —rather than lose a year of contending due to the Rodgers injury — this season.

In a weakened AFC conference where the top teams have clear flaws, the Jets can easily make it into the playoffs as a wild card team with competent quarterback play.

Despite the Vikings’ struggles to close out games this season — Minnesota won all 11 one-score games during the 2022 season, an NFL record — Cousins’ play remains among the best in the league. The veteran quarterback leads the league in passing touchdowns, second in completions and ranks third in passing yards. In other words, the four-time Pro Bowler is on pace for his best season to date.

But the one thing eluding the quarterback is success in the postseason. Furthermore, time is ticking for the quarterback — who will be 36 years old next season — to finally win a Super Bowl.

That objective isn’t happening in Minnesota this season or anytime soon.

While Cousins obviously has a clear path towards free agency in March, the idea of joining a Jets team that featured the No. 4 defensive unit in the league last season combined with talented playmakers in Garrett Wilson and Dalvin Cook, is a recipe made for potential major success.

The Kansas City Chiefs are as weak as they’ve ever been during the Patrick Mahomes era, lacking a true No. 1 wide receiver as they’ve won games through strong defense. As high-powered as the Miami Dolphins have been, their weakness remains getting through the Buffalo Bills. Meanwhile, the Jets already hold a win over the Buffalo Bills with Wilson at quarterback.

If there was ever a time for Cousins to have a chance at winning a Super Bowl, it would be this season with a team like the Jets.

Passing on an opportunity at a ring for another lost season with the Vikings is something that Cousins will soon come to regret.