Kirk Cousins Trade Talk: Vikings' Quarterback Dilemma

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Kirk Cousins Emerges as the Only Immediate Quarterback Trade Option

If the Vikings want to give the Raiders something substantial for Kirk Cousins, the Raiders should take it. Cousins is the only option that makes sense if the goal is to improve this year rather than pursue a multi-year plan.

Other realistic options are difficult to identify. Teams are unlikely to trade quarterbacks who can help them, while signing another player off the street would be a gamble. That makes this a Kyler Murray-or-bust situation. They must find a way to get the best out of Murray while they still can, particularly with GTA and Call of Duty coming out and potentially pulling his attention away from watching film. The video and preparation need to be simplified for him.

Another possibility would be calling Cleveland about Dylan Gabriel. Despite being undersized, Gabriel could operate in this offense because it fits his style. Shaur may not be available, but quarterbacks of that type should be considered as longer-term options.

A one-year solution is less appealing because Kyler Murray was already supposed to be the proven answer. Although the team remains tied for first in the division after beating Chicago, it is struggling badly.

Rumors involving Matthew Stafford and Justin Herbert are typical of trade-deadline speculation, but an elite quarterback is not necessary. The team simply needs an average quarterback who can move the offense down the field. It does not need Lamar Jackson, Justin Herbert or Matthew Stafford.

Even backup options around the league may be unavailable. Mac Jones has shown that he can take over immediately and play well if Brock Purdy goes down, so the 49ers are unlikely to trade him. Tyson Bagen would not be an appealing option, while Brosmer looked good on the final drive, even if it came against a preventive defense. Brosmer could be the starter against Seattle next week.