3 Kirk Cousins replacements Vikings should consider this offseason
Kirk Cousins #KirkCousins
If the Minnesota Vikings were to move on from quarterback Kirk Cousins this offseason, these three options stand out.
The Minnesota Vikings clinched their spot in the playoffs after overcoming a 33-point deficit to the Indianapolis Colts in Week 15. Credit for that win can be given to quarterback Kirk Cousins, who played phenomenally in the second half and overtime of that game. It gave Vikings fans plenty to be excited about.
With Cousins, he does have a bit of a consistency problem when it comes to production. He can have great games, but also have really bad games. Like in Week 17.
The Vikings had the chance to officially eliminate their hated rivals, the Green Bay Packers, from playoff contention. Instead, they stumbled over themselves, and Cousins had a horrific game. In the loss, Cousins had thrown three interceptions and lost one fumble.
There may be some Vikings fans who may be so fed up with Cousins’ play, they want the team to make a change at the position. If you’re looking for the best options available this upcoming offseason, these three stand out.
3 Kirk Cousins replacements Vikings should consider this offseason, No. 3: Geno Smith
When it comes to free agent quarterbacks, one name that stands out is Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith.
After the team traded Russell Wilson to the Denver Broncos, the Seahawks have openly expressed confidence in Smith’s ability to lead the team to wins. It was met with scoffs from fans and media alike, but he has proven his critics wrong.
Through 15 games this season (prior to Week 17), Smith led the league with a 70.7 completion percentage, while throwing for 3,886 yards, 27 touchdowns, and nine interceptions. He was also named to the Pro Bowl for the first time of his nine-year career.
While Smith is one of the better free agent quarterbacks available in free agency, it’s hard to envision that the Seahawks let him leave.
3 Kirk Cousins replacements Vikings should consider this offseason, No. 2: Jimmy Garoppolo
One of the other top free agents is a former NFC champion quarterback in Jimmy Garoppolo. This past offseason, it looked as though Garoppolo’s tenure with the San Francisco 49ers was over with. But, both sides agreed to a restructured contract for this season. As it turns out, it was a pivotal move for the 49ers and Garoppolo.
With Trey Lance suffering a broken ankle in Week 2, Garoppolo stepped up, and led the team into playoff contention. In 10 starts, Garoppolo led the 49ers to a 7-3 record, where he threw for 2,437 yards, 16 touchdowns and four interceptions while completing 67.2-percent of his passes.
Garoppolo is currently sidelined due to a broken foot suffered in Week 13 against the Miami Dolphins, but there’s a chance that he could make a return in the playoffs.
With the 49ers likely moving on from Garoppolo to hit free agency, he’ll be one of the top quarterbacks coveted in free agency.
3 Kirk Cousins replacements Vikings should consider this offseason, No. 1: Derek Carr
This past week, the Las Vegas Raiders made some big news in the NFL. With the team 6-9 on the season prior to Week 17, it was revealed that quarterback Derek Carr was benched for their final two games. According to a variety of reports, the team made the move in order to keep Carr healthy so they could explore trade options this offseason.
With Carr’s stint with the Raiders likely over, he will be a highly-coveted quarterback this offseason. While Carr hasn’t had the greatest of seasons, he has shown to be a quality starting quarterback in the NFL. Just last year, Carr helped lead the Raiders to the playoff despite all of the off-field issues the team dealt with.
This season, Carr recorded 3,522 passing yards, 24 touchdowns, and 14 interceptions while completing 60.8-percent of his passes.
Carr presents himself as an upgrade on playoff contending teams in need of a quarterback. For the Vikings, it could be more of a lateral move than an upgrade. Still, it’s not a downgrade.