5 trades that will give Josh Rosen the fresh start he needs

2. Minnesota Vikings

As a practical matter, the Vikings are now committed to Kirk Cousins for two more seasons until the finances of parting ways become palatable. But if Cousins were to go down with a significant injury, Sean Mannion is his primary backup right now. That sound you just heard is the Vikings’ ambitions for the 2020 season coming to a screeching halt if Cousins were sidelined for any length of time and Mannion had to start a chunk of games.

To be fair though, despite lackluster pass protection in two seasons with the Vikings, Cousins has not missed a start due to injury in five full seasons as a starter. It’s hard to recall him even being on the injury report over that time too.

Gary Kubiak is an underappreciated offensive mind. His influence on Minnesota’s offense in 2019 was clear in a key assistant/”head coach-offense” capacity, and he is stepping in as offensive coordinator this year with Kevin Stefanski’s departure for the head coaching job in Cleveland.

Rosen may need a year to just sit as a backup, and learn from the proverbial room without the pressure to play immediately or be a franchise savior. If he had to play, the idea he’s not long for the opportunity would automatically go away if he’s just coming in as a backup.

The Vikings are on the list of teams who can offer that low-pressure situation, with Cousins firmly in place and an offense that is quarterback-friendly.