The Minnesota Vikings are facing uncertainty at the quarterback position, and it seems like this situation could linger for several weeks. The team has the option to extend Kirk Cousins’ contract, but they have until mid-March to make a decision before other teams can negotiate with him in free agency. Alternatively, the Vikings could explore free agency or the NFL draft to find a new quarterback to replace Cousins.
During an interview with FanSided’s “Stacking The Box” podcast, running back Alexander Mattison expressed his strong support for Cousins. He hopes that the team will bring back Cousins because he believes that Cousins is a game-changer. Mattison has been playing with Cousins since he joined the team and has developed a close bond with him.
Cousins, like Mattison, is eager to have clarity about his future with the Vikings. In an interview with Sky Sports NFL, Cousins revealed that conversations about his contract won’t begin until March. He expressed his desire to know where he will be playing next and wishes to start those discussions as soon as possible. Currently, Cousins is focused on rehabilitating his Achilles injury and expects to be fully healthy for training camp, whether it’s with the Vikings or another team.
As of now, Cousins is patiently waiting and watching the playoffs from home while continuing his rehab. He doesn’t have much going on besides his recovery, but he understands that he will have to wait until the first few weeks of March to have meaningful conversations about his future.
Kirk Cousins Faces Uncertain Future with Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings are in a tough spot when it comes to their quarterback, Kirk Cousins. At 35 years old, Cousins is looking for a new contract that will require the team to invest a significant amount of money and years to keep him in Minneapolis. According to Spotrac, Cousins’ value is estimated at $118.1 million over a three-year deal, but the QB will be playing at 36 years old next season.
This presents a risky situation for the Vikings, as history has shown that only a few quarterbacks have been able to maintain high-level performance in their late 30s. However, there is a belief in the NFL that advancements in modern medicine and training methods can extend the careers of quarterbacks, with Tom Brady being a prime example.
One of the concerns for the Vikings is that while Cousins has been good, he has yet to reach greatness during his six-year tenure with the franchise. He has earned three Pro-Bowl selections, but the team has only made the playoffs twice and has just one postseason victory.
Even with Cousins playing some of the best football of his career last season before suffering an Achilles injury, questions remain about whether he can lead the Vikings to a Super Bowl. These doubts were present even before his most recent $35 million extension for the 2023 season.
Now, Cousins is asking for a two-year, fully-guaranteed contract worth $90 million to stay with the Vikings. This puts the team in a difficult position as they also hold the 11th overall pick in the upcoming draft. They have the opportunity to select a top quarterback prospect, but it may require giving up valuable assets in a trade to secure one from the highly-touted 2024 class.
In the end, the Vikings must weigh the risks and rewards of keeping Cousins as their quarterback. The decision will have significant implications for the future of the team and their aspirations of reaching Super Bowl glory.
According to the Source heavy.com