The Minnesota Vikings are reportedly hesitant to offer quarterback Kirk Cousins a fully guaranteed contract. According to Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated, the team is unwilling to commit to such an agreement. Cousins had previously signed a three-year, $84-million fully guaranteed deal with the Vikings in 2018, but it seems the organization is now taking a different approach.
Cousins, who is set to become an unrestricted free agent in March, has been in contact with the team. Discussions have taken place between Cousins’ camp and the Vikings, indicating that there is ongoing communication between the two parties. It remains to be seen how this situation will unfold.
Notably, the individuals responsible for initially signing Cousins to his 2018 contract are no longer with the Vikings. General manager Rick Spielman and head coach Mike Zimmer were let go in 2021 and replaced by Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and Kevin O’Connell. This change in leadership could have an impact on the team’s decision-making process regarding Cousins’ future with the franchise.
In terms of Cousins’ performance, he suffered a significant setback during the 2023 campaign. In Week 8, he tore his Achilles tendon, prematurely ending what could have been one of his best seasons. Prior to the injury, Cousins had accumulated 2,331 passing yards, 18 touchdowns, and a mere five interceptions in just eight games. This injury undoubtedly affected his overall numbers for the season.
Looking ahead, the Vikings currently have $23.8 million in cap space, as reported by Over The Cap. As it stands, Nick Mullens and Jaren Hall are the only quarterbacks under contract for the 2024 season. With Cousins’ uncertain future, the team may need to explore other options to solidify their quarterback position.
Cousins, now 35 years old, boasts an impressive career resume. Throughout his 150 career games, he has amassed 39,471 passing yards and 270 touchdowns. However, it remains to be seen where he will continue his career, as the Vikings’ unwillingness to offer a fully guaranteed contract adds an element of uncertainty to the situation.
According to the Source sportsgossip.com