Minnesota Vikings continue to be linked via trade to Kirk Cousins and it's an insult to J.J. McCarthy

The Minnesota Vikings have one of the best rosters in the National Football League, despite a couple of position groups that could use some fortifying via either free agency or the trade market. One thing that continues to be the fascination of the national media is the quarterback position.

J.J. McCarthy is the unquestioned starter right now, but the backup situation continues to be the focus of many, because McCarthy "hasn't proven anything yet."

Vikings, Kirk Cousins continue to be linked

ESPN discussed the potential of multiple trades that include veterans who have been on the trade block. Despite Miami Dolphins cornerback Jalen Ramsey being included in this article, the Vikings weren't included in any of the trade offers for Ramsey, but they were sent Kirk Cousins by two different analysts.

Yes, despite having traded for a backup quarterback, Cousins continues to be sent to the Vikings.

The first one comes from ESPN's analytics writer Seth Walder, who sent Howell and cash considerations to the Falcons for Cousins.

The key to the compensation for a Cousins deal is how much of his guaranteed money the acquiring team will take on. I'll raise Dan's offer and say the Vikings pay $12 million of it. This would allow Atlanta to save a little face and get out of the situation with a different backup quarterback. 

For Minnesota, the upgrade at backup QB is more important because of the McCarthy situation. Cousins will have to accept a lesser role with his old team, but at least he'd be reunited with coach Kevin O'Connell.

The second one comes from Dan Graziano, who sent a 2026 fifth-round pick, 2027 seventh-round pick, and cash considerations

Well, it makes sense for all three sides, really, counting Cousins himself. He wants a chance to start and could use his no-trade clause to nix a deal to any place he doesn't want to go. But if he has to be a backup, we know he liked living in Minnesota and playing for the Vikings. Plus, J.J. McCarthy is still an unknown after his major knee injury, so maybe this could turn into more than just a QB2 destination.

In this scenario, the Vikings would agree to pay $10 million of the guaranteed money on Cousins' contract for 2025.

The fascination that the national media has with the "McCarthy situation" is somewhat baffling. Yes, he didn't play at all in his rookie year due to a meniscus injury, but does that mean the Vikings desperately need a backup plan like these trade proposals insinuate? 

Not one bit.

The Vikings currently have a backup quarterback in Howell and don't need to spend over $10 million on the salary cap to bring in the former starter who could create unintentional controversy, as Cousins was a very polarizing player over his tenure.

It's always good to have a veteran presence on the team, but do the Vikings need to upgrade that badly from Howell, with two former NFL quarterbacks on staff in head coach Kevin O'Connell and quarterbacks coach Josh McCown? Plus, are we sure that Cousins is going to be better than Sam Howell in 2025? He was benched as the starter in Atlanta last season.

This Cousins to the Vikings trade speculation needs to end.