Yes, there have. 4 teams have done it since 2000:
The offense is just a couple decent OL away from being one of the best in the league, on paper, for a "Tennessee style" of offense, built around a power running back. As you've pointed out, those types of offenses can be more risky and maybe not the way to go, but that's what we are, unless we're willing to trade Cook. That would be shocking, to say the least.
I would say it's likely Tennessee comes back down to earth in 2021. Their defense ranked 29th (Vikes were 31). They allowed nearly 400 yards/game. However, they had a +11 turnover ratio. Turnovers can mask a lot of deficiencies, but cannot be counted on (see the Bears and their hot start this year). Things bounced the Titans way this year, but with that poor defense, they were unable to make it out of the first round of the playoffs.
I have no confidence in Mannion, but there is something about Heinicke that NFL teams did not like. But he did have a really nice game.
There's almost zero chance Rudolph is a Viking next year.
The local knashing of teeth over Heinicke is over the top. He hasn't been on the team since the end of 2017 IIRC and was on the street two months ago. This is not "another Vikings miss." He played a good game. One. Good for him though.
Sounds like he might take a year off. The Eagles have to pay him regardless. Either way, I doubt he takes an OC job.
What team would take on that much cap hit and give up first rounders, to get Watson?
That’s the question. I honestly have no idea what the market would be. Basically, Watsons deal is cheap in 21, then somewhat outrageous in 22, 23, then more reasonable the following 2 years. Cousins cap number is $45MM in 22, which is guaranteed soon. So, it’s not much worse than what we’ve already committed to Cousins (basically one more year than Cousins at the crazy cap number). Then you’re rewarded with 3 years of more reasonable cap numbers and a “franchise” quarterback. As the saying goes, “a bird in hand is worth two in the bush”. Drafting a QB is a crapshoot, so to get a known quantity that is good AND young is worth 2 first rounders to me. If they have any interest in Cousins, I think the deal is a no brainer.
I would do that trade if I'm the Vikings. The cap # in 22 and 23 is staggering, but so is Cousins. In both cases, the deal is likely to be extended and re-done.
Good points. Wonder if/when we'll find out who the suitors are.
I would really struggle with that kind of a trade. 2 first rounders? That's mortgaging your future for a modest upgrade. Is Watson better than Cousins? I think the answer is yes. Is he THAT much better that you throw away two first rounders? You maybe consider that deal if you have a roster that is very well positioned from both a talent and cap standpoint and that is most certainly NOT the Vikings right now. They have holes everywhere and to ignore multiple holes on the roster for a modest upgrade at QB, no way I can consider that.
How much better are the best NFL QBs than Cousins?
This. He can be your QB for the next 10-12 years. He can provide stability and be an elite talent at a position where the Vikes haven’t had since...Tarkenton? Cousins stats have put him around the 10-12 best QB since being a Vike. However, stats are not everything. The games in which he excels are not the big games. He is what he is- an above average QB that feasts on teams worse than the Vikes. The more I think about it, the more sense it makes. Again, see who’s playing this weekend and keep telling yourself you don’t need an elite QB to be consistently good in this league.
The rating of QBs is not linear. Thus, if Cousins is the 10th best QB, he is closer to the 20th best QB than he is to the best QB. The curve takes a steep incline at the top. I’m not sure Watson is at that level, but at least he’s closer, and still has time to improve even further.
We play in a dome. No issue there.
Maybe The Texans throw in their 6th and 7th rounders the next two years. Rick loves those....
Culpepper might have been, but his knee blew up. Teddy, same.
You're not wrong, but I'm looking at this from 30,000 feet. With the team as currently constructed, with major issues on defense and one that already had somewhere around a top-10 offense, you think Watson gives you enough more wins to be a contender in the postseason? The defense was a dumpster fire this year. Watson led the league in passing and it got Houston 4 wins. That's what the Vikings should aspire to?
, and damn was he working with nothing-not only did the trade of Deandre Hopkins hurt, but then Will Fuller was suspended at the back end of the season and yet he continued to produce. That Texans team was a mess this season, both on the field and in management. Whoever obtains Watson will have won a lottery of sorts. .
Of course he's an upgrade, I said that. All I'm saying is, there's a difference between the argument, just in general, of whether or not a team should trade for someone like Watson and whether or not the Vikings should. Sure, I would make that trade, in and of itself. If I'm the Vikings, the way the roster stands today and their current salary cap situation, I don't think I would do it and I sure as hell don't think Spielman and Zimmer do it.I don't want to get my hopes up on Watson, but man, if they could pull this trade off. . .barring injury, there's your guy for the next 10 years, as GWG has stated. I paid particular attention to Houston this season because I had Watson as my fantasy football QB
And Ogee, he's not a slight upgrade over Cousins