Kirk Cousins is keeping his eyes on the prize.
The Vikings quarterback said he had tunnel vision on Minnesota’s upcoming game against the Bears when asked Wednesday if he could picture a scenario in which he would waive his no-trade clause.
“You know I am just very focused on the Bears and going 1-0 this week, and anything else is not worth my time or energy or attention,” Cousins said.
That answer was not a yes — but also not a no.
It’s also one of the few times the 2022 Pro Bowler has not blatantly stated that he has no plans on leaving the team.
Cousins’ no-trade clause means he would have to approve of a possible trade and have to learn a new offense a third of the way through the season.
Even if he were to agree to a deal, the Vikings potentially dealing their QB away would be complicated.
Cousins, 35, is a free agent at the end of the 2023 season, and his salary cap hit of $20.25 million could leave Minnesota with few takers.
Cousins first signed with the Vikings in 2018, signing a three-year, fully guaranteed $84 million deal, adding a two-year, $66 million extension in 2020 and then a one-year, $35 million fully guaranteed extension last offseason.
A 1-4 start, coupled with Kwesi Adofo-Mensah cutting stars to add cap flexibility — and star receiver Justin Jefferson on IR for at least the next four weeks with a hamstring injury — could lead to Cousins starting elsewhere.
One possible destination that’s continually popped up is the Jets, who lost Aaron Rodgers just four plays into the season and have received uneven play from Zach Wilson, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2021 draft.
Still, Cousins, who famously avoids social media, is just fine being the the dark as the Vikings figure out their plan.
“You know, ignorance is bliss and I’m just really ignorant,” Cousins said. “I don’t really have access to a whole lot and I try to do that by design, so it’s pretty intentional. Aside from high school friends who may text me what they’re reading and I’ll text them back — and I prefer to remain ignorant, you know, so I’d appreciate not getting texts.
“Aside from that, I really don’t know what’s going on. I’ve been insulated at time to the point of being naive and a little stupid, but I’d rather err on that side than consuming everything and just having to … Again, it just takes your focus away from what is important and what will help you play well, so that’s kinda how I wanted to do it.”
The QB has thrown for an NFL-best 13 touchdowns with just four interceptions and is second with 1,498 passing yards this season.
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