Is this Kirk Cousins' final season with the Vikings? Questions arise as contract talks stall
The fate of Kirk Cousins with the Minnesota Vikings is set to be decided in the coming weeks. Cousins is entering the final year of his contract with the team, however, there are some hurdles en route to a new deal.
The former Michigan State Spartans quarterback joined the Vikings from the Washington Commanders (then Redskins) in 2018. Cousins has been a stabilizing force in the team's offense, throwing for 20,934 yards and 153 touchdowns in five seasons.
It seems the Vikings and Cousins are finding it hard to reach common ground regarding a contract extension. Tom Pelissero, an NFL Network Insider, reported in February that a one-year extension is out of the question. Either Cousins will play out his final season with the Vikings or sign a multi-year contract.
CONTRACT TALKS: It doesn't appear the Minnesota #Vikings are interested in another one-year extension for Kirk Cousins.
NFL insider Tom Peliserro notes the Vikings could do a long-term extension or let Cousins play out the existing deal. #SKOL https://t.co/rLT3MDL9vE
So, the question remains as to whether the Vikings are looking to move on from Cousins when his deal expires. A lot depends on the upcoming draft and the college football season. Minnesota might also look to replace Cousins with another veteran next offseason, but who that might be is too early to guess.
The Vikings likely want Kirk Cousins to take a pay cut
Kirk Cousins is the 11th highest paid player in NFL history with over $200 million in earnings. Whether he is worth it is a matter of some debate.
Cousins will earn a base salary of $10 million and a roster bonus of $20 million this season. He carries a cap hit of $36,250,000 and a dead cap value of $48,750,000. Looking at this (and his no-trade clause), it's safe to say he's not going anywhere this offseason.
The question is whether Cousins is worth that kind of money. Looking at his stats, it's sometimes difficult to see why he gets ignored by fans and analysts alike. 153 touchdowns to 50 interceptions is not a bad ratio and perhaps Minnesota are testing the waters a little.
Cousins' lack of postseason success is a problem, and something the Vikings are all too aware of. After a very decent season, Minnesota went straight out of the playoffs, losing to the New York Giants.
The Vikings do not appear willing to go the extra mile to keep Cousins on their roster. They want to see results in the postseason (as they are currently not on anyone's radar for next season's Super Bowl) or Cousins to sign a team-friendly deal.
This is where the Vikings stand in contract talks with Kirk Cousins, and it doesn't appear like they will be ready for any compromise. The franchise is wary of the risks of signing Cousins on a guaranteed deal and are definitely exploring their options.
If a decent quarterback falls to them in the draft, Minnesota might consider taking him. If that's the case, this could be Cousins' last ride in Minnesota.
What's next for Kirk Cousins?
Well, a number of possibilities can be explored should he fail to secure a multi-year contract that will keep him with the Vikings for the rest of his career.
The Vikings have another offseason with the Kirk Cousins contract at the forefront and the Vikings are trying to make it work for both sides vikingswire.usatoday.com/2023/03/01/vik…
If Cousins were to enter free agency, it is certain he would be picked up. He has too much to offer to be ignored and quarterback needy teams would be very interested in a veteran with his skillset.
Whether that would be to a contender is a different matter. If Kirk Cousins wants to win a Super Bowl, his best shot is likely with Minnesota, in which case he may have to consider a lighter contract.