Vikings trading Kirk Cousins to Jets would send 'a bad message'
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A winless start won’t be enough for the Vikings to move on from Kirk Cousins.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter noted on “The Pat McAfee Show” on Monday that while the two sides appear destined to split after the season, it is unlikely to happen before then.
It comes as Jets fans are clamoring for a change at quarterback following another Zach Wilson performance in a 15-10 loss to the Patriots on Sunday, and the internet rumor mill kicked up possible trade talks.
“Kirk Cousins has to be the most intriguing name,” Schefter said of the Jets’ quarterback options outside of the roster. “There’s nothing to that right now. But the Vikings are 0-3 and they made a decision where it certainly looks like they’re going in a different direction than Kirk Cousins next year.
“That’s the one that, honestly, is a logical fit for both sides, if the Vikings want to do that. At that point, they’re punting on their season. Who are they turning it over to — Nick Mullens? What are you doing if you’re the Vikings? It would send a bad message if you send Kirk Cousins away at this point in time.”
The Jets have been steadfast in their commitment to Wilson, despite his struggles in three games this season.
“He’s our unquestioned quarterback, guys,” Jets coach Robert Saleh said Monday. “As long as he continues to show in his preparation, the way he’s been practicing and even in these games, guys. He’s not the reason we lost (Sunday).
“It’s always a team effort. As long as he continues to show improvement, and I know from a box score standpoint it’s not showing, he’s going to be our quarterback.”
Since taking over for Aaron Rodgers, who suffered a torn Achilles four plays into the season, Wilson has completed 44-of-84 passes for 467 yards, two touchdowns and four interceptions.
There were reports the Jets had been in touch with veterans Matt Ryan and Carson Wentz last week, though nothing seems likely to come of it at this point.
Ryan said on Monday there was “no interest” on his end.
The Vikings, meanwhile, are off to a disappointing 0-3 start after going 13-4 and winning the NFC North last season.
Cousins and the team agreed in the offseason to table any extension talks until March, with both resisting any long-term commitment.
“Even though he is going to be leaving there (in the offseason), if you wait a couple of weeks maybe they turn it around, maybe they revisit it before the trade deadline,” Schefter said.
“That’s the one that makes the most sense from all of our standpoints. The problem is it doesn’t make as much sense to the Vikings and the Jets right now. At least not to my knowledge.”
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