NFL Rumors: Vikings nearing major Kirk Cousins decision
If there is one player that has gotten the most money out of his career, it's Kirk Cousins. The Minnesota Vikings quarterback was franchise tagged by Washington before securing a three-year, $84 million deal with the Vikings in 2018.
He then signed a two-year, $66 million deal in 2020 and is now entering the final year of the contract. After making the playoffs last year, the Vikings and Cousins were embarrassed by the New York Giants, which makes contract negotiations rather tricky now.
Per Mike Garafolo of the NFL Network, there have been discussions between Cousins and the Vikings on a potential new contract. As of yet, there has been no movement.
Update: The #Vikings and QB Kirk Cousins have had discussion about a contract extension, per @MikeGarafolo.
Nothing imminent right now. https://t.co/tqVfSMHQly
Having divided opinion for the majority of his career, Kirk Cousins got the bag twice in Minnesota. However, the organization hasn't gotten a good return on its investment.
Whether that changes as Cousins enters his final year remains to be seen. Seeing as he is turning 35-years-old, the desire for the Vikings to give him another long-term deal likely isn't that high.
Since Cousins' arrival, the Vikings have won the division once (last year) and made it to the playoffs twice (2019 & 2022). That isn't exactly what Vikings fans were hoping for when he signed.
Will Kirk Cousins and Vikings agree to new terms?
Given the current quarterback market and who is rumored to be available in Minnesota as far as quarterbacks in next year's draft, the cupboard isn't exactly full.
With most free agents already having their futures secured (except Lamar Jackson), the Vikings may be best served extending Cousins.
What that looks like salary-wise is unknown. Given his age and his output, we can't imagine he will be fetching $40 million a season. However, stranger things have happened.
In Cousins' four of his five years, the Vikings have had a winning record, which counts for something. The shortcomings in the playoffs have left many Minnesota fans offside with the quarterback.
While every team is looking for their next star in the quarterback position, Minnesota may have to bite the bullet and extend Kirk Cousins since there aren't that many better options currently available.