Kirk Cousins Isn't Thinking About a Possible Trade

Kirk Cousins' name has been swirling in trade rumors, on and off, for much of the last four years or so. This week, with the Vikings sitting at 1-4 and facing at least four games without superstar receiver Justin Jefferson, the speculation is again in full swing surrounding Cousins, whose contract expires after the season.

As usual, it's not something the Vikings' quarterback is thinking about at all — or is even really aware of.

"I'm just very focused on the Bears and going 1-0 this week," Cousins said when asked if there's a scenario where he'd waive his no-trade clause. "Anything else is just not worth my time or energy or attention."

Cousins has long been a person who focuses on football and his family and not a whole lot else, at least during the season. He doesn't spend time on social media, outside of the occasion post on Instagram. He doesn't read or watch the news. He's just dialed into preparing for each game, believing that if he plays as well as he can and tries to win football games, things will work themselves out.

It's a mindset Cousins says he's had since the early part of his career. Back in 2014 or '15 with Washington, he learned about Andrew Luck having a flip phone and decided he wanted a similar amount of ignorance to outside noise (Cousins says he did actually try having a flip phone one time, but couldn't do it).

"Ignorance is bliss," he said. "And I'm just really ignorant. I don't have access to a whole lot, and I try to do that by design. Aside from high school friends who may text me what they're reading ... I really don't know what's going on. I've been insulated at times to the point of being naive and a little stupid, but I'd rather err on that side than consuming everything. It takes your focus away from what is important and what will help you play well."

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