The trade that returns quarterback Kirk Cousins to the Minnesota Vikings has sparked celebration among many fans, but not everyone in the fan base is pleased with the move — and one prominent voice’s criticism has drawn sharp pushback online.
Cousins previously played for the Vikings, where he was selected to three Pro Bowls and led the team to its most recent playoff win. Following his return via trade, Luke Braun, host of the “Locked On Vikings” podcast, posted criticism of the move on social media Tuesday, describing it as his “long personal nightmare.”
“I was always a big Kirk hater when he was here in Minnesota,” Braun said. “Because I thought, hey, this guy is not going to lead us to the promised land.”
Braun also pointed to what he characterized as Cousins’ turnover problems, arguing that the Vikings need to protect the football and avoid putting their defense in difficult situations.
Commenters on social media quickly pushed back on that claim, noting that Cousins is statistically regarded as one of the more careful quarterbacks in the league when it comes to avoiding turnovers.
Political Angle Raised Online
Some users on social media suggested Braun’s criticism may stem from factors beyond football. Commenters cited his history of posts expressing liberal political views, which they noted contrast with Cousins’ public Christian family values. Screenshots circulated from Braun’s BlueSky account that were critical of the Wilf family, the Vikings’ ownership, over the trade, as well as a post referencing former NFL sideline reporter Michelle Tafoya’s political campaign.
The trade returning Cousins comes after Minnesota benched quarterback Kyler Murray in favor of Carson Wentz as starter. Whether Cousins can replicate his performance from the first nine games of the season remains to be seen, but combined with Minnesota’s defense, some observers believe the Vikings could be competitive in the postseason.
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