Kirk Cousins to the Titans? Analyzing the Potential Trade and What It Means for Tennessee’s Offense
The Tennessee Titans are at a crossroads. After a disappointing 2024 season, marked by inconsistent quarterback play and an offense struggling to find its identity, the team is desperate for a spark. Could that spark come in the form of veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins? Recent speculation has linked the four-time Pro Bowler to the Titans, and the potential move has the NFL world buzzing. But what would a Cousins trade really mean for Tennessee’s offense? Let’s dive into the possibilities.
The Titans’ Quarterback Conundrum
The Titans’ quarterback situation has been unstable. While Will Levis showed flashes of potential, his overall performance lacked the consistency needed to lead a team to the playoffs. In 2024, Levis completed just 58.4% of his passes for 1,808 yards, with 8 touchdowns and 4 interceptions in 9 games. These numbers simply aren’t good enough in today’s pass-heavy NFL.
Malik Willis has not shown enough promise to be considered a viable starter. The Titans need a quarterback who can immediately elevate the offense and provide stability under center.
Why Kirk Cousins Makes Sense
Enter Kirk Cousins. Despite suffering a season-ending Achilles injury in 2023, Cousins was playing some of the best football of his career prior to the injury. Before going down, he had thrown for 2,331 yards, 18 touchdowns, and just 5 interceptions in 8 games. He was on pace for a career year, showcasing his accuracy, decision-making, and leadership.
Cousins is a proven commodity in the NFL. He has a track record of success, leading the Minnesota Vikings to multiple playoff appearances and consistently putting up impressive numbers. He’s known for his arm strength, accuracy, and ability to read defenses.
For the Titans, Cousins represents a significant upgrade at the quarterback position. He would bring experience, leadership, and a level of consistency that the team has been sorely lacking. He could immediately transform the Titans’ offense into a more potent and reliable unit.
Analyzing the Potential Trade
The biggest hurdle in acquiring Cousins is his contract situation. He is set to become a free agent in March 2025, and he will likely command a significant salary. The Titans would need to be willing to commit a substantial amount of money to bring him to Nashville.
There are a few ways the Titans could acquire Cousins. They could sign him outright in free agency, or they could attempt to trade for him before the free agency period begins. A trade would likely involve the Titans sending draft picks and/or players to the Vikings in exchange for Cousins.
The exact compensation would depend on several factors, including Cousins’ health, his contract demands, and the level of interest from other teams. However, given Cousins’ age (36) and recent injury, the Titans might be able to acquire him for a reasonable price.
What Cousins Brings to the Titans’ Offense
Cousins’ arrival would have a ripple effect throughout the Titans’ offense. First and foremost, it would provide a much-needed boost to the passing game. Cousins is known for his ability to make accurate throws to all levels of the field, and he would immediately become the Titans’ most accomplished passer.
His presence would also benefit the Titans’ wide receivers. Treylon Burks, and Kyle Philips have shown flashes of potential, but they have struggled to consistently produce due to inconsistent quarterback play. Cousins would provide them with a quarterback who can deliver the ball accurately and on time, allowing them to maximize their potential.
Furthermore, Cousins’ arrival could also improve the Titans’ running game. Defenses would be forced to respect the Titans’ passing attack, which would open up running lanes for Derrick Henry. A balanced offensive attack would make the Titans much more difficult to defend.
Impact on the Coaching Staff
The potential acquisition of Kirk Cousins would also have implications for the Titans’ coaching staff, particularly offensive coordinator Nick Holz. Holz would be tasked with integrating Cousins into the Titans’ offensive scheme and tailoring the offense to his strengths.
Holz has shown a willingness to adapt his play-calling to the strengths of his players. With Cousins at quarterback, he would likely implement a more pass-heavy offense, utilizing Cousins’ arm strength and accuracy to attack defenses downfield.
The Titans also hired Dennard Wilson as their defensive coordinator. Wilson is known for his aggressive and blitz-heavy defensive schemes. The addition of Wilson could help the Titans improve their pass rush and create more turnovers.
Risks and Rewards
Acquiring Kirk Cousins is not without risk. He is coming off a serious injury, and there is no guarantee that he will return to his pre-injury form. He is also an older quarterback, and his performance could decline as he ages.
However, the potential rewards of acquiring Cousins are significant. He is a proven winner who can immediately elevate the Titans’ offense and make them a contender in the AFC South. If he can stay healthy and play at a high level, he could be the missing piece that the Titans need to make a Super Bowl run.
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to pursue Kirk Cousins will come down to whether the Titans believe he is worth the risk. It’s a gamble, but one that could pay off handsomely if Cousins can recapture his previous form and lead the Titans back to the top of the NFL.