3 Cleveland Browns trade targets from Minnesota Vikings

3 of 3

Sep 15, 2019; Green Bay, WI, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) throws before game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports /

Cleveland Browns trade target No. 1: Kirk Cousins, QB

This is the one that makes the most sense for the Cleveland Browns. In 2021, Baker Mayfield was a major problem for them as he struggled throughout the year. There are those who shrug off his rough campaign by saying he was injured but that’s a bit short-sighted.

Mayfield was in his fourth season and he has been up-and-down since entering the NFL. He was good in 2018 as a rookie but completely fell off the map in 2019. Everyone blamed that on Freddie Kitchens, then felt justified when Mayfield was good in the second half of 2020.

However, that’s somehow been the year fans cling to as they shrug off a bad 2019 and 2021 campaign. But the truth is, Mayfield has been a roller-coaster whereas Kirk Cousins has actually been a consistently solid quarterback. In fact, his worst statistical season dwarfs Mayfield’s best yet there’s still this giant faction in Cleveland that thinks the two players are similar.

Let’s squash that now. Mayfield has the talent to be better than Cousins but so far, he hasn’t been close. Cousins has thrown for more than 4,000-yards six times and Mayfield has never done so. He has also thrown for more than 30 touchdowns in three of the past four seasons, and Mayfield has never done so.

The only advantage Mayfield has is youth, but the Browns are good enough that they can win now with a mid-30s quarterback while they look for the next guy.

Next. 4 QB’s the Browns could replace Baker Mayfield with in 2022. dark

Cousins would be an upgrade and the Browns should definitely call about his availability.

Home/Cleveland Browns