Why trading Kirk Cousins makes sense

Over the last couple of days, there have been reports that the Denver Broncos are pursuing a trade with the Minnesota Vikings for Kirk Cousins. While there are pros and cons to making such a trade, and it may not be realistic. Nonetheless, the trade idea is intriguing and could make sense for the Minnesota Vikings.

Cap Considerations

The 2021 cap hasn’t been set yet but it will likely be between $180-$183 million. The Vikings currently sit at about $195 million toward the cap. Kirk Cousins will take up $31 million for 2021 but jumps to $45 million in 2022. So for 2021, they are over the cap by at least $12 million. For 2022 the cap is likely to go up but will likely be a modest increase.

In 2022 the only large contract to come off the books is that of Shamar Stephen. Harrison Smith is going into a contract year in 2021 and will be a free agent in 2022 but the Vikings highly likely to extend or resign. At this point, they also have $180 million in contract obligations for 2022.

The Denver Broncos, on the other hand, have at least $40 million in space for 2021and the ability to make more. For 2022 the Broncos only have $95 million in current cap obligations.

This is clearly a case where the Broncos may want a quarterback the caliber of the Cousins and they have the cap…