Why Trading Kirk Cousins for Teddy Bridgewater Makes Sense

For those of you still riding the “trade Kirk Cousins bandwagon”, I have a proposal for you. What if the Carolina Panthers and Minnesota Vikings came together for a blockbuster that landed “The Chosen One” (Teddy Bridgewater) back in purple, along with the #8 overall pick in April’s draft?

This idea sprouted from a reported trade offer made by the Panthers to the Detroit Lions for QB Matthew Stafford, before he was ultimately traded to the LA Rams. Stafford is arguably a worse QB than Cousins.

During trade talks to try to acquire Matthew Stafford, the Carolina Panthers made a serious offer to the Lions of their eighth overall pick, a fifth-round pick and quarterback Teddy Bridgewater, per league sources. Detroit opted to take the Rams offer. Carolina still looking.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 7, 2021

Trade idea:

•Kirk Cousins to Carolina
•Teddy Bridgewater, the 8th pick, and a 5th round pick to Minnesota

Then when draft time rolls around… haha https://t.co/rv8aH7Jn66 pic.twitter.com/gvYHAwmMjb

— Cooper (sports fan) (@CoopCarlson) February 8, 2021

Why this trade makes sense

First, this would make Mike Zimmer the happiest man alive. Not only would he get his favorite QB back in purple, but the Vikings would add future cap space flexibility and he could draft an elite defender with the additional pick.

Second, Klint Kubiak was promoted to offensive coordinator today, which basically confirms the Vikings will have a similar offensive system, one that relies heavily on the run, ranking in the top 6 for rushing percentage the past two seasons.

Why pay a quarterback $30+ million if you’re going to run the ball all the time? Instead, it might make more sense to trade for Bridgewater who makes roughly $10 million less to the cap this year and $20 million less in 2022.

Here is the cap situation for both of their contracts. Realistically, the trade would have to be completed by March 17th so Cousins 2022 salary doesn’t lock in with the Vikings.

Third, everyone loves draft picks! With this trade, Zimmer gets his quarterback and more defensive flexibility. Spielman gets, not only a first round pick, but a fifth rounder too. Maybe Rick can even flip that fifth for a couple of seventh rounders!

In all seriousness, these two picks would be great for Minnesota. They could address two big needs in the first round, whether it’s offensive/defensive line or in the secondary.

This trade could be a win for both sides. Carolina gets a quarterback on the same level as what they were seeking in Stafford. Minnesota would get additional puzzle pieces to fill in their many offseason holes.

Cooper Carlson | Minnesota Sports Fan