Analyst predicts Kirk Cousins will reject the Vikings and sign with a first-year head coach

January 15, 2024 Sports Gist NFL, Other Sports 0

Analyst predicts Kirk Cousins will reject the Vikings and sign with a first-year head coach

All eyes could be on Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins this offseason.

That attention could also spell bad news for Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah’s hopes of bringing the four-time Pro Bowler back on a new deal for 2024.

“For Kirk Cousins, his next destination will have less to do with money and more with the opportunity to win games and pursue championships, be it with the Minnesota Vikings or elsewhere,” Bleacher Report’s Erik Beaston wrote on January 14. “There are any number of teams that could use a quarterback of his ability.

“Prediction: Cousins signs a deal with New England in the three-year range.”

The Patriots won out among a list of five teams that Beaston listed as potential suitors for Cousins, including his former team the Washington Commanders.

New England is entering a new era with former linebacker Jerod Mayo moving up from his position as linebackers coach to take over the head coaching job left vacant with Bill Belichick’s retirement.

Cousins, 35, is coming off a torn Achilles and will be 36 years old by the start of next season.

He hits free agency after completing a one-year, $35 million contract. But he remains on the books for next season for $28.5 million due to void years on previous deals, per Spotrac.

That means Minnesota will be paying him one way or another. It would make sense for them to pay him to play for them rather than the alternative. And that is what Adofo-Mensah is aiming to do.

“I’ve said that [he wanted Cousins back],” Adofo-Mensah said via the team on January 10. “I’ve been pretty consistent with that. Kirk the player is somebody that we saw what he does to this team. I thought we were playing really good football before he got injured, and it’s the most important position in sports. … It’s certainly my intention to have him back here.”

But Adofo-Mensah was also clear that he would make the best decision for the Vikings.

“Ultimately, taking a step back in the short term isn’t a big deal if you don’t think you’re actually close to [remaining cometive],” Adofo-Mensah said. “And those are always the conversations we try and have and go about.”

The Vikings also have to make decisions on several defensive free agents and veterans including Danielle Hunter and Harrison Smith.

Justin Jefferson’s contract situation also looms.

Be the first to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.


*