5 quarterbacks the Panthers could target not named Deshaun Watson
By Dean Jones
Kirk Cousins
The narrative that Kirk Cousins cannot be an elite performer is now dead in the water. His consistency over the last three years with the Minnesota Vikings has been top-notch and there isn’t a Carolina Panthers fan alive that wouldn’t take him over Sam Darnold right now.
Cousins came in for some criticism regarding his vaccination status this offseason, which resulted in bizarre comments about attending meetings in a perspex box rather than getting the shot. A notion that didn’t go down well with head coach Mike Zimmer.
The Michigan State product has put this to one side and been balling in 2021. Something the Panthers saw first-hand in Week 6 when Cousins threw for 373 yards and three touchdowns to inflict an overtime defeat on Carolina.
That’s not to say Cousins hasn’t had his fair share of critics over the years. But it’s a testament to his character that he’s bounced back in the best possible way to cement his status as a top-eight player at the position.
Cousins is entering the final year of his deal in 2022 and depending on how things go for the Vikings over the next 10 games, they might decide trading him at a cap saving of $35 million could be the right timing for a fresh start despite his outstanding level of performance.
If Carolina is intent on winning right now, then there are far worst options to consider than Cousins.