Quarterback Kirk Cousins of the Minnesota Vikings is ready to determine his playing future. In an interview with Sky Sports NFL, Cousins expressed his eagerness to begin negotiations with the Vikings or any other interested teams for the 2024 season and beyond. He stated, “I would love to get those conversations going now.” Cousins clarified that although many people are surprised, negotiations typically don’t start until March. He would prefer to know his destination sooner rather than later.
Cousins made it clear that he is not criticizing the Vikings or other potential destinations for not engaging with him at this point. It is important to note that the Atlanta Falcons, for example, would be in violation of league rules if they were to negotiate with Cousins before March 11. However, the Vikings have the advantage of being able to negotiate an extension with Cousins until March 11 and beyond, while other teams are technically prohibited from doing so for the next six weeks. It is common knowledge that free agency rules are often seen as loose guidelines, with tampering being a prevalent practice.
Despite the advantage held by Minnesota, Cousins’ comments may have been directed towards the Vikings organization. He mentioned that he is currently at home, watching the playoffs and focusing on his rehab. He emphasized the need to wait until the first few weeks of March before engaging in any serious conversations about his future. For now, he is patiently waiting for the negotiation process to begin.
MINNESOTA VIKINGS FACE QUARTERBACK CONUNDRUM
The Minnesota Vikings are facing a complex decision regarding their quarterback situation as they look ahead to the 2024 season. Kirk Cousins and his contract are central to this discussion.
According to a report from Charley Walters of the Pioneer Press on January 29, the Vikings would need to commit over $90 million guaranteed for two years to bring Cousins back. Spotrac, on the other hand, estimates Cousins’ market value at $39.3 million per year over a new three-year deal ($118 million total), with a significant portion likely needing to be fully guaranteed.
However, committing such a large amount of guaranteed money over multiple years is a risky proposition, especially considering Cousins will be 36 years old next season and is recovering from a major Achilles injury suffered in late October – the most significant injury of his NFL career.
Furthermore, if the Vikings choose to bring back Cousins, it could hinder their ability to find a young quarterback on a more affordable contract. Finding a quarterback whose long-term future aligns with the team’s talented group of pass catchers is crucial for the Vikings, as it is their greatest strength.
On the other hand, if the Vikings decide not to retain Cousins, they will face a daunting $28.5 million dead cap hit in 2024. This could significantly impede their efforts to rebuild the roster and compete in the highly competitive NFC North Division.
The Minnesota Vikings are at a crossroads when it comes to their quarterback situation. The decision regarding Kirk Cousins and his contract will have far-reaching implications for the team’s future. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.
MINNEAPOLIS TRIBUNE – Vikings Face Tough Decision: Trade Up for Top QB or Stick with Cousins?
In a surprising turn of events, the Minnesota Vikings had a relatively successful season in 2023 despite quarterback Kirk Cousins being absent for the second half of the campaign. With a 7-10 record, the team finds themselves holding the No. 11 overall pick in the upcoming draft. However, if they want to secure one of the top quarterbacks available, they may have to make a bold move and trade into the top three.
Trading up could be the Vikings’ best solution, as it would allow them to potentially replace Cousins with a talented rookie and continue their offensive success from previous seasons. Not only would this be a more cost-effective option, but it would also help alleviate Cousins’ dead cap hit in 2024. The next four years could see the most important position in football become much more affordable for Minnesota.
However, this decision comes with its drawbacks. By trading up, the Vikings would limit their ability to strengthen their defense and offensive line through the draft. General manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, known for his analytics-based team-building philosophy, values acquiring young and talented players on affordable contracts. The draft is the best way to achieve this, making it a difficult pill to swallow for Adofo-Mensah.
Alternatively, the Vikings could choose to select a second-tier quarterback from the deep pool of talent available. They could do this with their No. 11 pick or by trading down to acquire additional selections. This option may still result in Cousins’ departure from Minnesota, given the large sum of guaranteed money he is seeking. However, it would be the latest in a series of cautious moves made by the team in recent years.
As the 2024 draft approaches, the Minnesota Vikings find themselves at a crossroads. Will they trade up for a top quarterback, potentially sacrificing their ability to build a strong defense and offensive line? Or will they stick with Kirk Cousins and draft a quarterback in the middle of the first round, continuing their trend of hedging their bets at the position? Only time will tell what decision the Vikings will make. Stay tuned for updates.
