PurplePTSD: Questions Answered: Free Agent Moves, Cousins' No-Trade Clause, Greg Joseph As The Right Guy

Press release from the PurplePTSD:

Dustin Baker

2022-03-15

The following questions are about current Minnesota Vikings topics, answered by PurplePTSD. Today is the March 15th edition, addressed in a from-the-hip fashion. If you have questions, please email them to DustinBakerNFL@gmail.com.

Also, please note: These are opinion-based responses. Some answers will be incorrect from time to time. But we’ll try to keep that to a minimum.

Q: The Vikings still have free-agent moves to make. What is the biggest need for the team?

A: The Vikings need cornerbacks, one or two interior offensive linemen, an EDGE rusher, and perhaps a linebacker.

That’s a lot.

Of course, a couple of these needs can be filled in the NFL draft, but normally that event should be used as “gravy” to get better via best player available.

Once the Vikings clear cap space — that has not been a speedy process — they can target players like Austin Corbett (OL), Bryce Callahan (CB), Akiem Hicks (DL), etc.

And the festivities kicked off on Monday night when Minnesota signed Harrison Phillips, a defensive tackle from the Buffalo Bills.

Q: How the hell did Cousins get a no-trade clause? What happens if he stinks this season?

A: It is not uncommon for quarterbacks with large contracts to swing veto power over their deals. The idea of Cousins receiving that in an extension this time around simply wasn’t talked about much by anyone.

Alas, the no-trade clause is there. Cousins had a no-trade clause in the 2018 and 2019 seasons. But Rick Spielman removed it in 2020 when the first Cousins extension hit the books.

If he stinks in 2022 — that is unlikely because he has never encountered a stinky season — the Vikings would have to trade him to a place he rubber stamps, lessening the team’s leverage with trade partners.

Q: I’m mostly happy with Greg Joseph. Was it the right move to extend him?

A: Yes.

Joseph was somewhat dependable in 2021, getting off to a rotten start in Week 2 against the Arizona Cardinals. After that, though, he was rather dazzling — for a Vikings kicker. He connected on seven of nine field goals of 50+ yards. And, on the whole, he hit 87% of field goals. We’ll take it.

His contract is small enough that, in theory, the team could draft a kicker, too, and enforce some competition. But, for now, Joseph is the guy.

Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. His YouTube Channel, VikesNow, debuts in March 2022. He hosts a podcast with Bryant McKinnie, which airs every Wednesday with Raun Sawh and Sally from Minneapolis. His Viking fandom dates back to 1996. Listed guilty pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, ‘The Sopranos,’ and The Doors (the band).

This press release was produced by the PurplePTSD. The views expressed here are the author’s own.