Star player from the Vikings anticipated to ink a contract worth $60 million.
Over the past two seasons, the Minnesota Vikings have grappled with finding a long-term solution at quarterback, ultimately turning to Kirk Cousins as their preferred choice in both instances. Despite a challenging three-game stretch where the team has struggled to score, averaging only 11 points per game, the Vikings find themselves in a familiar situation. Cousins, set to enter free agency in March, has expressed his desire to stay in Minnesota. Given his standout performance in his second season under head coach Kevin O’Connell, the Vikings are likely to accommodate his preference.
The critical questions for the franchise revolve around the financial and contractual aspects of retaining Cousins. The impending free agent status provides Cousins significant leverage, considering the impact of his play and the subsequent void in his absence. Pro Football Focus analyst Brad Spielberger recently ranked Cousins as the No. 2 free agent in the upcoming class, predicting a potential two-year, $60 million contract with $37.5 million guaranteed.
Cousins faced trade discussions before the October 31 deadline, particularly amid a challenging start to the season for the Vikings. Despite a 1-4 record and the loss of wide receiver Justin Jefferson, Cousins played a pivotal role in the team’s subsequent five-game win streak. His performance, marked by 18 touchdown passes through eight weeks before a season-ending injury, adds weight to his case for a lucrative new deal.
While Cousins may attract offers exceeding $30 million per season from other teams, some analysts, like Phil Mackey of SKOR North, argue for the quarterback’s return to Minnesota, emphasizing the value of playing where he wants to be. Mackey suggests that a two-year, $60 million contract with flexibility, allowing the Vikings an easy out after the first year, could be mutually beneficial. This arrangement would provide the team with the financial flexibility to potentially bring back key players like Danielle Hunter.
The frustration expressed by head coach Kevin O’Connell in recent weeks, coupled with the lack of quality options at the quarterback position, has led the Vikings to start Nick Mullens against the Cincinnati Bengals. This decision marks the fourth starting quarterback for the team this season, with O’Connell demoting Josh Dobbs to third-string and positioning rookie Jaren Hall as Mullens’ backup. The coaching staff aims to adapt to the challenging circumstances, focusing on ensuring the chosen quarterback feels confident with the game plan.
