MINNESOTA VIKINGS DRAW LINE IN THE SAND WITH KIRK COUSINS
The Minnesota Vikings are not willing to give quarterback Kirk Cousins a fully guaranteed deal if he decides to return to the team, according to Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated. While the Vikings like Cousins, they have made it clear that they won’t go down the same contractual path as the previous regime. This means Cousins could hit the market and explore his options, despite being older and more injured than he was six years ago.
GUARANTEED MONEY COULD BE STICKING POINT FOR COUSINS
The lack of a fully guaranteed deal may push Cousins to consider other teams, as there are QB-starved franchises around the league that may be willing to pay. However, the Vikings seem to have a backup plan in place that they are confident in. With the No. 11 pick in the upcoming NFL draft, Minnesota may not have a shot at one of the top quarterback prospects. This has led to speculation that they may trade up with the New England Patriots for the No. 3 pick to secure a QB like Jayden Daniels or Drake Maye.
VIKINGS CONSIDER ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS
Trading down and selecting a quarterback with better value in the late first round or on Day 2 is another possible route for the Vikings. Alec Lewis of The Athletic suggests that they could also trade up with the Baltimore Ravens at No. 30 using their second-round pick and future selections. This move would allow them to target Oregon quarterback Bo Nix, a mature signal-caller who could potentially start in Week 1 of his rookie season.
The Minnesota Vikings are determined to keep Kirk Cousins, but they won’t break the bank to do so. The team has set certain financial terms for the quarterback’s return, making it clear that they won’t offer him a fully guaranteed deal. This decision is a departure from the previous regime’s approach. As a result, Cousins now has the opportunity to explore his options in the market, despite his age and injury history.
The lack of a fully guaranteed deal may be a sticking point for Cousins, as other teams in need of a quarterback may be willing to pay. However, the Vikings appear to have a backup plan in place. With the No. 11 pick in the upcoming NFL draft, they may not have a chance to select one of the top quarterback prospects. This has led to speculation that they may trade up with the New England Patriots for the No. 3 pick, targeting quarterbacks Jayden Daniels or Drake Maye.
Alternatively, the Vikings could trade down and select a quarterback with better value later in the first round or on Day 2. Another option suggested by Alec Lewis of The Athletic is to trade up with the Baltimore Ravens at No. 30 using their second-round pick and future selections. This would allow them to pursue Oregon quarterback Bo Nix, who has shown promise and maturity throughout his college career.
In conclusion, the Minnesota Vikings are taking a cautious approach with Kirk Cousins, setting certain financial terms that do not include a fully guaranteed deal. This decision may lead Cousins to consider other teams, but the Vikings have backup plans in place. They may trade up in the draft or explore other options to secure a quarterback who can lead the team in the future.
MINNEAPOLIS — In a shocking turn of events, the Minnesota Vikings may be facing a potential crisis with their star wide receiver, Justin Jefferson. The 25-year-old is up for a new contract, which could reset the market at his position. However, with the uncertainty surrounding the team’s quarterback situation, Jefferson is hesitant to commit his long-term future to the Vikings.
Jefferson’s concerns stem from the fact that the Vikings’ current quarterback, Kirk Cousins, is entering the twilight of his career. At 36 years old and coming off a devastating Achilles tendon injury, Cousins’ future as the team’s signal-caller is uncertain. This lack of stability at the position has left Jefferson seeking clarity before making any long-term commitments.
While the Vikings could potentially use the franchise tag to retain Jefferson for another year, it is clear that alienating the star wideout could have serious repercussions. If the team fails to provide the certainty and stability that Jefferson desires, he may choose to explore other options in unrestricted free agency down the line.
Minnesota’s front office is now faced with a difficult decision. They must find a way to address Jefferson’s concerns and ensure that he remains a cornerstone of the franchise for years to come. Failure to do so could result in the loss of one of the NFL’s brightest young talents.
As the Vikings navigate this delicate situation, they must consider the long-term implications. Jefferson has the potential to reset the market at his position and become one of the highest-paid wide receivers in the league. It is crucial for the team to play their cards right and secure his services for the entirety of his career.
The clock is ticking for the Vikings. They must act swiftly and decisively to provide the clarity and certainty that Justin Jefferson seeks. Otherwise, they risk losing a generational talent and potentially derailing their future success. The ball is in their court, and the fate of the franchise hangs in the balance.
According to the Source heavy.com