MINNESOTA VIKINGS FACE TOUGH DECISION: WILL KIRK COUSINS EXTENSION COST THEM DANIELLE HUNTER?
The Minnesota Vikings find themselves at a crossroads this offseason as they navigate contract talks with quarterback Kirk Cousins. If they choose to extend Cousins, it could come at the cost of losing Pro Bowl edge rusher Danielle Hunter.
According to reports, the Vikings have put their discussions with Hunter on hold until they make a decision on Cousins’ future. Bleacher Report’s David Kenyon predicts that if Cousins gets an extension, Hunter is likely to walk in free agency. The Chicago Bears and the Jacksonville Jaguars have also shown interest in the talented pass rusher.
But the worst-case scenario for the Vikings could be seeing Hunter join their division rivals, the Detroit Lions. The Lions have reportedly offered Hunter a lucrative $67 million deal, which would allow him to wreak havoc on the Vikings for the next three seasons.
If the Vikings choose to keep Cousins, their cap constraints might force them to let Hunter go in free agency. Losing Hunter would be painful for the team, but losing him to a division rival would be even more devastating.
However, there is a scenario where the Vikings can retain both Cousins and Hunter while also saving money. By re-signing both players, the team can use their bonuses in their new contracts and spread out their cap hits over future years. This would allow the Vikings to make use of the money already committed to them and extend their stay with the team.
But this approach comes with risks. Extending both Cousins and Hunter could potentially harm the team’s financial future, putting them in a similar situation next offseason. The organization must carefully consider the long-term implications of these extensions before making a decision.
The next month will be crucial for the Vikings as they weigh their options and determine the best course of action. The fate of both Cousins and Hunter hangs in the balance, and the team’s decision will have significant implications for their future success.
GettyGeneral manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah of the Minnesota Vikings.
In a stunning turn of events, the Minnesota Vikings find themselves at a crossroads. After their impressive run to the NFC Championship Game in 2018, the team’s roster has suffered a steady decline. Years of poor drafting and salary cap constraints have taken a toll, leaving the Vikings with glaring needs at cornerback, edge rusher, and both the offensive and defensive lines.
Unfortunately, the Vikings simply do not have the financial means to bring in top-tier veterans at every position. Even if they were to go all-in and extend contracts for stars like Danielle Hunter, Kirk Cousins, and Justin Jefferson, it would be a temporary fix. The team’s lack of depth is a major concern, and it will take several strong draft classes to truly get back into contention.
The question then becomes: should the Vikings re-sign Cousins and Hunter and hope for the best? While it’s certainly a possibility, it would require a near-perfect draft strategy over the next couple of years. The team would need to hit the jackpot and then some in order to maximize their chances with Cousins and Hunter leading the way.
But perhaps a different approach is needed. General manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah may opt for a competitive rebuild philosophy for the 2024 season. This would mean making a difficult decision between keeping Hunter or Cousins. It’s a tough choice, but one that could ultimately shape the future of the franchise.
Only time will tell what path the Vikings will take. One thing is for certain, though – the pressure is on Adofo-Mensah to make the right moves and steer the team back to success. The fate of the Minnesota Vikings hangs in the balance, and fans can only hope that their beloved team will rise again.
According to the Source heavy.com