Why Vikings are 'the only fit' for a Kirk Cousins trade

The NFL trade deadline is just around the corner.

By the end of Nov. 4, teams won't be able to make any more deals. So if Kirk Cousins is going to be moved from the Atlanta Falcons, maybe to the Minnesota Vikings, now's the time.

NFL.com's Kevin Patra thinks that's the only option left at this point, saying it's "the only fit."

"Minnesota is the only fit for Cousins at this stage," Patra writes. "The 37-year-old quarterback did his trade value no favors with Sunday’s outing against Miami. The Falcons haven’t shown much interest in dealing the QB, but as the season spirals, perhaps they’d change gears, especially with only five draft picks in 2026 at the moment. The Vikings aren’t exactly flush with assets to ship for an aging quarterback, but with Carson Wentz’s injury and J.J. McCarthy struggling to stay on the field, would they really risk flushing the season? Cousins played some of his best football under Kevin O’Connell, and perhaps the QB-friendly offense could bring him back to life. If McCarthy can’t stay healthy, the options are grim in Minnesota."

MORE: The $113 million reason the Titans should trade for Tyreek Hill

Cousins would definitely get an emotional and mental boost going back to a place that he was once such a good player.

If the Falcons were holding out hope of a bidding war for Cousins, though, it doesn't seem forthcoming.

Rebuilding teams wouldn't have any interest. The Saints have just swapped in rookie Tyler Shough to see what he can do. The Browns are checking in on Dillon Gabriel's ability.

Teams with injuries have managed, as well. The Bengals went the Joe Flacco route. Mac Jones was an able fill-in for the 49ers.

MORE: Romeo Doubs' Guardian Cap is going to look different in Week 9

There just hasn't been the obvious, direct need that would've facilitated a Cousins deal already. He's only in the second year of a four-year, $180 million contract, which isn't that attractive no matter how escapable the deal ends up being.

But if the Falcons don't send him to Minnesota, they're likely stuck with him. And the Vikings are the only team that even make a modicum of sense at this point.

More NFL news:

• The Bills finally let James Cook cook, and that's all it took for a turnaround
• Jordan Love played the most spotless QB game in NFL history
• Tyler Huntley saved Baltimore's season
• Jonathan Taylor's MVP case has recent NFL history working against him
• Cam Skattebo injury came on what looked like an illegal hip-drop tackle
• Vikings' J.J. McCarthy decision just got a lot easier