12th Man Rising
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3 potential replacements if Seattle Seahawks trade Russell Wilson

By Geoff Shull

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - DECEMBER 02: Kirk Cousins #8 of the Minnesota Vikings throws the ball in the second quarter against the Seattle Seahawks during their game at CenturyLink Field on December 02, 2019 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - DECEMBER 02: Kirk Cousins #8 of the Minnesota Vikings throws the ball in the second quarter against the Seattle Seahawks during their game at CenturyLink Field on December 02, 2019 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /
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MINNEAPOLIS, MN – JANUARY 09: Kirk Cousins #8 of the Minnesota Vikings stands on the sidelines in the third quarter of the game against the Chicago Bears at U.S. Bank Stadium on January 9, 2022 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – JANUARY 09: Kirk Cousins #8 of the Minnesota Vikings stands on the sidelines in the third quarter of the game against the Chicago Bears at U.S. Bank Stadium on January 9, 2022 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images) /

Quarterback option number 3: Kirk Cousins

Reportedly, Kirk Cousins was the Seahawk’s second choice if Russell Wilson had been drafted before they picked. They loved his play coming out of college.

Fast forward to this season, Pete Carroll is still applauding what Cousins provides to the Vikings. He is a perfect match for what Carroll wants in his quarterback. He is also very low maintenance.

Cousins has shown he knows how to utilize his weapons. The Vikings offense has been solid over Cousins’ tenure with the team. Seattle could Slide Cousins in without feeling much of a drop in production.

In fact, Cousins is coming off one of his best seasons this far through his career.

  • Completion percentage: 66.3%
  • Yards: 4221
  • Touchdowns: 33
  • Interceptions: 7
  • Interception rate: 1.2%
  • Yards per attempt: 8.1
  • QB Rate: 103.1

Even more so, it is plausible that the Vikings who are looking at a new head coach and general manager are actively trying to trade him. Cousins’ contract is currently looking to have a $45 million cap hit. This would be the third-highest in the NFL next year.

The team also looks closer to a rebuild than a contender as it is. With new leadership, it would be easy to see the top brass looking to start over with new assets. After all, the team the previous leadership built (the current roster) got the two fired this off-season.

I don’t believe the Cousins trade will be abhorrently expensive considering the talent acquired. The biggest reason for this is his contract. Any team who trades for cousins is taking on a $35 million cap hit. This destroys his market. There are currently only 7 teams who can fit this contract into their salary cap as things stand today.

Seattle would be wise to extend Cousin upon his acquisition. This should lower his cap hit and give the Seahawks a little more breathing room. Something around $35-$37 million per year is likely his market value.

Next. 5 edge rushers Seahawks should sign this offseason. dark

What the trade would cost: 2022 2nd round pick, conditional 2023 3rd round pick.

Acquiring contract: 1 year, $35 million.

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