Predicting where Jimmy Garoppolo, 5 other quarterbacks play in 2022
By Peter Panacy
No. 4: Kirk Cousins is traded to the Steelers
The Minnesota Vikings are one of those teams that should probably consider blowing the whole thing up this offseason, including parting ways with head coach Mike Zimmer.
Minnesota has a few blue-chip pieces in place, namely wide receiver Justin Jefferson. Running back Dalvin Cook is under contract for the long term, too. However, after boasting an impressive roster yet failing to get into the postseason the last two years, a wholescale teardown aside from those two should be in the cards.
This would mean moving on from quarterback Kirk Cousins as well, which would be made more difficult knowing teams rarely enjoy taking on a signal-caller on the final year of a lucrative deal with no guarantee to return. Per Over the Cap, the Vikings would have to eat at least $10 million in guaranteed money anyway with the acquiring team picking up a remaining $35 million in 2022.
That’s a lot.
However, a team like the Pittsburgh Steelers might be an ideal destination for a player like Cousins. Soon to be in the wake of quarterback Ben Roethlisberger’s retirement, head coach Mike Tomlin’s squads are perennially in the playoff hunt regardless of the roster situation, and there’s an excellent cast of offensive playmakers, too, particularly a similar run-first offense with running back Najee Harris poised to help someone like Cousins adjust.
This would also take advantage of a stacked Pittsburgh defensive front, not wasting those vital years from players like EDGE T.J. Watt.