Why Kirk Cousins is a perfect fit for Jets

The New York Jets were dealt an enormous blow only a handful of plays into Week 1, losing quarterback Aaron Rodgers to a season-ending Achilles injury. For now, the Jets seem content to ride things out with Zach Wilson, but if they want to keep their Super Bowl aspirations alive, they should take a long, hard look at Minnesota Vikings QB Kirk Cousins. 

Why Cousins? 

For one, he might be available. A free agent in 2024, Cousins' future in Minnesota is all but decided. Barring a miraculous run to the Super Bowl, Cousins will be playing elsewhere next season. Meanwhile, the Vikings are in a transition period, or what some would call a "competitive rebuild," having exiled several veterans this offseason while adding an influx of younger talent. If things fall apart early for the Vikings, trading a quarterback they'll let walk anyway might become an attractive option. 

With matchups upcoming against the Los Angeles Chargers, Kansas City Chiefs, San Francisco 49ers and Green Bay Packers ahead of the NFL trade deadline on Halloween, the Vikings could be sporting a losing record near the midway point of the season, which could increase the likelihood of Cousins trade.  

Cousins could be a difference-maker  

At 35, he's four years younger than Rodgers, still one of the more reliably accurate quarterbacks in the league and was one of only 10 QBs to surpass 4,000 yards last year, so he can still sling it even with less than ideal arm strength. Furthermore, Cousins is a 12-year veteran who's changed teams before, meaning there should be a manageable adjustment phase. 

Cousins isn't going to wow you, not in the way Rodgers can. However, he's proven to be more than serviceable in his time with the Vikings, having averaged over 4,000 yards passing and 30 touchdowns per year over his first five seasons with the team. If dealt to New York, Cousins would provide the same level of play with the Jets supporting cast. 

There's no doubt Cousins, who's worked with arguably the best wideout in the league, Justin Jefferson, could quickly build a rapport with young emerging wideout Garrett Wilson. Also, Cousins is already familiar with the running back Dalvin Cook, who he played with in Minnesota for the last five seasons. 

What will Cousins cost? 

Rodgers isn't going to play 65 percent of the snaps for the Jets this season so the Jets will keep their 2024 first-round pick. However, the cost for Cousins isn't likely to be that steep ahead of the deadline, meaning the Jets might be able to give up less to acquire him while only paying the remainder of his 2023 salary ($10 million). 

The Vikings are unlikely to ship Cousins off so early in the season. However, if the Jets can stay above water for a few weeks, the Minnesota signal-caller might still be in play and worth making a call on. 

Wilson will get the shot for now, but in reality, there's a reason the Jets went so hard after Rodgers, even with the former No. 2 overall pick in tow. The Jets also went out of their way to provide Rodgers with weaponry in pursuit of a Super Bowl. If they don't want to punt on the year, Cousins could be the answer.