The New York Jets have a quarterback problem, and one NFL executive has a solution. The Jets have been rumored to be a trade destination for Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins. Cousins is in the last year of his contract, and the 0-3 Vikings don’t appear to be playoff-bound.
Due to wide receiver Justin Jefferson’s looming extension, it’s possible the Vikings could move on from Cousins this offseason. And a trade might make the most sense for a team trending toward being a seller at the trade deadline.
NFL Executive: New York Jets should trade for Ryan Tannehill
But there doesn’t appear to be any interest between the Jets and the Vikings for Cousins. According to Jeremy Fowler with ESPN, one NFL executive suggested the Jets should go after Tennessee Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill because he’s cheaper to trade for than Cousins. Fowler floated the executive’s pitch to Dan Graziano:
“Here’s an idea that a league exec floated to me, and I’m curious on your thoughts: Tannehill to the Jets. He’d cost less draft capital than Kirk Cousins. He has a connection with Jets passing game coordinator Todd Downing, a former Titans playcaller. His $27 million salary is modest for a reputable NFL starter. And the Jets just need someone who can get the ball to Garrett Wilson on third down. Tannehill can get that done.
Graziano: Oh, it makes a ton of sense logistically. He’d be a lot easier to get than Cousins, who has a no-trade clause in his contract and may not want to leave Minnesota (or go to the Jets). The connection with Downing is worth noting. This is Nathaniel Hackett’s offense, though, not the one Downing was running in Tennessee. One of the reasons we don’t see a lot of starting quarterbacks traded in-season is because of the time needed to master a new offense.”
Rumors are floating that Tannehill could be benched in favor of one of their two young quarterbacks. The Titans have taken two quarterbacks on Day 2 in the previous two drafts. The Titans would trade Tannehill for a lower price than the Vikings would Cousins.
Tannehill wouldn’t provide the gunslinging upside that Cousins can. However, he can make the game manager throws Zach Wilson cannot. The Jets were linked to Tannehill in the offseason, and completing the trade this month could keep their playoff hopes alive.
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