Colts: Latest rumored 49ers-Kirk Cousins trade package proves Indy can easily swoop in

Indianapolis Colts fans were hoping that the team’s search for its fifth starting quarterback in as many seasons would end shortly after Matthew Stafford requested a trade out of Detroit. Despite being heavily linked with the 32-year-old star, however, Indy ultimately lost out to the Rams, who made the Lions an offer they simply couldn’t turn down.

With the Colts still in need of a quarterback, Kirk Cousins has been mentioned as somebody who could be on the move this offseason after an underwhelming campaign with the Vikings. According to the latest buzz, there could be a blockbuster deal brewing between Minnesota and the San Francisco 49ers, who clearly aren’t sold on starter Jimmy Garoppolo.

If the rumored terms of the deal are legitimate — the 49ers supposedly offered second- and fourth-round draft picks, along with Garoppolo, to the Vikings — the Colts could easily swoop in and steal Cousins for themselves if they wanted to.

The Colts should end up being players for Vikings QB Kirk Cousins

According to the rumors, the Vikings apparently want a first-rounder in any deal involving Cousins, but they’ll be unable to unload him if that’s the case. We all know that GM Chris Ballard loves hoarding assets because he’s so damn good at drafting, but a second- and fourth-rounder is hardly a steep asking price for borderline elite quarterback play. Perhaps the Colts trade this year’s first (No. 21 overall) and a second-rounder in 2022. That wouldn’t be terrible, and Cousins would fit their championship window.

But then there’s a different route. Which impact player would the Colts be willing to part ways with in a deal for Cousins if it came to that?  Seeing as though they have no quarterbacks to offer the Vikings — unless they were head over heels for Jacob Eason — it would likely cost Indy a starter on the defensive side of the ball, where they are flush with talent.

The other thing to consider with regards to a trade for Cousins is his albatross of a contract, as he’ll account for a combined cap hit of $76 million over the next two seasons and is owed $56 million in salary during that span.

When it comes to the rumored package it would take to acquire Cousins, the Colts honestly shouldn’t think twice about pulling the trigger. However, they’ll have to think long and hard about the financial implications that would come with trading for a hit-or-miss quarterback who tends to tighten up in crunch time … especially when Deshaun Watson is out there begging to be traded.

Still, given the lack of compelling options on the free agent market, ending up with Cousins wouldn’t be a terrible consolation prize.

Colts: Should Indy target Derek Carr in trade as Raiders-Deshaun Watson rumors swirl?

The Indianapolis Colts should absolutely go after Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr, as the former Fresno State star is signed until 2023.