Mike Greenberg, the familiar face of ESPN, couldn’t contain his excitement. He had a bold proposition in mind for the New York Jets – none other than Kirk Cousins, the 35-year-old quarterback, to replace the aging 39-year-old Aaron Rodgers.

This suggestion sparked an immediate reaction from the famous passionate ESPN First Take show host, Stephen A. Smith. Known for his outspoken nature, Smith didn’t hold back and labeled Greeny as a “depressed” fan of the Jets with no hope. This candid exchange occurred during a live show with the rising star of ESPN, Pat McAfee, on September 15.

Stephen A. Smith doesn’t hold back on analyst’s ambitious Cousins play

McAfee, always one to add humor and insight, chimed in, drawing a parallel to Cousins’ Netflix series and his unique preparation techniques. Smith, not one to mince words, acknowledged Cousins’ talent and declared him far from a “scrub.” However, the big question was, what did Cousins want?

McAfee revealed Greeny’s aspirations for Cousins to don the New York Jets jersey, a move that Stephen A. Smith didn’t hesitate to mock. He tore into Mike Greenberg, the “depressed” NFL analyst, for his desperate attempts to secure Kirk Cousins’ move to the Jets. Smith empathized, “Greeny’s desperate. Greeny probably wants you to quarterback the New York Jets right now. Greeny’s a bit desperate and depressed,” with Greeny’s lifelong Jets fandom, dating back to Joe Namath’s era in the late ’60s, but couldn’t help but poke fun at the Jets’ perpetual struggles.

Greenberg’s enthusiasm for Cousins as the Jets’ quarterback became evident after Aaron Rodgers suffered a season-ending Achilles injury. Greeny exclaimed, “I’m all in!” and passionately proposed the idea, “Let’s do this… Kirk Cousins to the Jets, who says no?” He was unwavering in his support, urging the Jets to make the trade for the QB. Interesting!

Is 2023 the swan song for Kirk Cousins with the Vikings?

However, there was more to the story. According to a CBS report, the Vikings had been hinting that 2023 might be Kirk Cousins’ final season as their quarterback. History also wasn’t on the Vikings’ side, as a 0-2 start typically spelled trouble. Between 2007 and 2021, only 12 out of 125 teams that began with two losses managed to reach the playoffs, per CBS. The Vikings’ 2023 season had a rocky start with losses to the Buccaneers (20-17) and the Eagles (34-28).

READ MORE – Aaron Rodgers Injury: When Was the Last Time 39YO Star QB Got Injured On-Field in the NFL?

Despite Cousins being under contract only for the current year, earning $20.25 million through 2023, the situation was far from static. With the Vikings struggling, Cousins’ availability in the market could change, presenting an undeniable upgrade opportunity for any interested team, including the New York Jets.

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