Why Kirk Cousins should not be an option for the Carolina Panthers

The Carolina Panthers should not look to acquire Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins this offseason considering their current situation.

Much has been made about the current quarterback complications being endured by the Carolina Panthers. The team’s gamble to acquire Sam Darnold from the New York Jets didn’t pan out as they hoped, with Cam Newton’s return providing leadership at a crucial time even if the results weren’t there to show it.

Darnold is under contract in 2022 after the Panthers picked up his fifth-year option with a guaranteed $18.85 million. But the signal-caller showed nothing to suggest he could be the long-term option at a position that Matt Rhule and his staff continue to mismanage.

Whether the Panthers go after their third starting quarterback in as many seasons under the new regime this offseason is unclear. They don’t have much in the way of financial wiggle room with $24 million in cap space and haven’t got a Day 2 pick in the draft right now following deals for Darnold and cornerback C.J. Henderson.

That hasn’t stopped the rumor mill from turning in recent weeks. Plenty of names are being linked with Carolina, although it’s hard to gauge just how much interest there would be from those with a no-trade clause or other options available considering the current state of the franchise.

One name that might be on the move this offseason is Kirk Cousins. The Minnesota Vikings parted ways with both head coach Mike Zimmer and general manager Rick Spielman after a second straight campaign with no postseason football, so any new arrivals could see this as an opportunity to go in a different direction under center, too.

Carolina Panthers named as a potential Kirk Cousins suitor

Chad Graff of The Athletic named the Panthers as one potential landing spot for Cousins this offseason. This would be a major surprise for a number of reasons and probably something Rhule and the front office should stay well clear of when it’s all said and done.

There appears little doubt that Cousins represents an upgrade on anything Carolina has right now. But there are other factors to consider when looking at this move should the Panthers opt to go in this particular direction.

First, and perhaps most glaring, is Cousins’ salary. The former Michigan State star is due to count $45 million on any team’s salary cap on the final year of his deal in 2022, according to Spotrac.

Considering the Panthers’ current cap situation and how much Darnold is on the books for next season, this appears to be a non-starter from a financial standpoint.

There is also the small matter of compensation to take into account. The Vikings might ask for a first-round pick or at least a second-rounder for Cousins, which is a price too steep for Carolina given their lack of valuable draft assets heading into the offseason.

Cousins is also approaching the twilight of his career and has yet to prove capable of leading a team deep into the postseason. His numbers were stellar in 2021, but there remains a lingering doubt regarding his ability in truly clutch situations.

Graff naming the Panthers as an option did conjure up some intriguing discussions on social media. But the simple fact is Carolina cannot consider themselves in a “win-now” position to make a trade for Cousins.

He’s a good player and would be an instant improvement. However, the Panthers should look elsewhere.