Kirk Cousins Sidesteps Question About Waiving No-Trade Clause

The Minnesota Vikings are 1-4 on the season and one loss in Chicago away from 2023 completely falling apart. If that were to happen, especially with Justin Jefferson now on injured reserve, the noise surrounding a possible Kirk Cousins trade and full roster tear down would be deafening.

Kirk Cousins sidesteps question on waiving his no-trade clause

But the biggest obstacle standing in the way of an organizational reset may be the no trade clause in Cousins’ contract, which he would have to waive, in order to be moved. When asked on Wednesday, if he’d consider doing such a thing, should GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah ask him to, Kirk sidestepped the question, with a classic, “I’m focused on the Bears, right now” answer.

It’s worth noting, however, while Cousins may have sidestepped the question about waiving his no-trade clause, he did shut down the idea. Only that he wasn’t letting his brain go there, at this time.

Related: Disguised Kirk Cousins Spotted at Twins vs Astros Sitting Amongst Common Fans Yet Again

Kirk Cousins today on if he could envision a scenario in which he would waive his no-trade clause:

“You know I am just very focused on the Bears and going 1-0 this week , and anything else is not worth my time or energy or attention.”

— Kevin Seifert (@SeifertESPN) October 11, 2023

If Minnesota Vikings want to move on, Cousins will probably go quietly

Let’s be real, Kirk Cousins is unlikely to stand in the way of a trade, if the Vikings handle the situation in a respectful manner. Nobody wants to work somewhere they are not wanted and, at the end of the day, it’s the Vikings who will decide whether or not he remains in Minnesota after this season.

Kirk has mentioned on multiple occasions how much he wants to stay with the Vikings and, according to reports, even portrayed to Kwesi & Co this offseason, a willingness to take a discounted contract, if it meant staying long term.

Related: With Justin Jefferson Out, Who Will Step Up for Vikings… and Who Won’t?

If it is made clear to Cousins that the team will be moving on from him, after the season, it’s hard to see him throwing a fit and refusing to leave a month or two earlier than what is eventually coming anyway. At this point, focusing on Chicago is the best thing Kirk can do.

Because, if he really does want any chance of playing in Minnesota until he hangs up his cleats, winning a lot of games is his only option.

Eric Strack | Minnesota Sports Fan