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The latest trade talks surround two likely candidates, both of whom fit the typical mold of falling short of expectations.
Kirk Cousins is a 35-year-old player in the final season of his contract, who protects a team whose best player, Justin Jefferson, is on injured reserve. His Minnesota Vikings have one-goal victories against the Carolina Panthers and Chicago Bears and losses against all others in the schedule.
Obviously, there has to be a compromise, right? While logic may point you in that direction, rumor says otherwise.
Cousin business is “not impossible” According to Peter King in his Football Morning in America column, it’s unlikely … unless a quarterback injury forces a coach who knows Cousins well and plays to his strengths to look for a quarterback. Cousins also has a no-trade clause, is andquot;very likely not to be waived.andquot;
Minnesota’s motivation for the trade seems simple if they don’t re-sign him, but that’s only one part of that conversation. How many competing or even competing clubs need a quarterback and the confidence that Cousins can hit the ground running in the middle of the season? How much would it cost extra for a part-season rental? And does it even matter if he doesn’t want to leave?
Are other Vikings on the move?
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As long as Cousins could stick around, this roster could be reshaped around him. The Vikings started that kind of process in the offseason when they moved on from the likes of Dalvin Cook, Adam Thielen and Eric Kendricks. More veterans may be on the move soon.
Athletics’ Dianna Russini reported that the Vikings andquot;answered the calls and are still listening andquot; about Danielle Hunter, K.J. Osborn and Harrison Smith. Shifting any or all of those three assets to long-term assets could make sense if Minnesota isn’t aware that this group will turn things around.
Hunter is an elite pass rusher who already has eight sacks on the season. Osborn is a solid receiver, totaling more than 1,300 receiving yards and 12 scores over the past two seasons. Smith is a playmaker who had five interceptions last season and already has two forced fumbles this season. All of this should be significant among utility buyers.
Broncosand#039; Business plans taking shape?
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The Denver Broncos messed up in the 2022 season, but this year was supposed to be different. They tasked Sean Payton with turning things around and instead saw the bottom fall out.
Denver looks even worse than last season. That Broncos team went 5-12 for minus-72 points; this Broncos team went 1-5 minus-71.
When things are this bad for a team that didn’t expect the worst, big changes often happen. That could happen with the Broncos as they talk about moving and quot; receivers Jerry Jeudy and Courtland Sutton, Russini. The sportsman of letters andquot;does not understand the point andquot; Denver wants to deal top linebacker Pat Surtain II.
So the Broncos could have a very active trade season, although it’s not exactly a no-brainer.
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