Minnesota Vikings QB1 Kirk Cousins versus the Chicago Bears at U.S. Bank Stadium on October 9th, 2022. Also picutred: Tight End Irv Smith and Left Tackle Christian Darrisaw. The Vikings defeated the Bears 29-22.
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins gained a lot of favorable will during the 2022 regular season, as his team finished 13-4, won the NFC North, and Cousins personally tied an NFL record for game-winning drives in a single season (8).
But all that positivity from his naysayers was erased the moment the Vikings didn’t convert a 4th and 8 play in the playoffs with the game on the line. The Vikings lost to the New York Giants at home in the playoffs, and that was a wrap on a once-promising season.
Thereafter, the “what to do with Cousins?” debate ignited, an annual offseason tradition orchestrated by Vikings fans. Cousins has a no-trade clause in his contract and is committed to the team, on paper, through the end of 2023.
Theoretically, the Vikings could trade the 34-year-old to a QB-needy team like the New York Jets, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, or possibly New England Patriots (if they aren’t married to Mac Jones long-term) if Cousins signed off on the deal.
These are the realistic options for Cousins and the Vikings in 2023:
Well, fans have spoken, as we polled the Vikings community last week — and 60.1% want Cousins to be extended by at least one year.
The poll was unscientific and surveyed 2,909 people.
Slightly less than one-third of respondents prefer Cousins play out his deal in 2023, with the team evaluating him at this time next year. No strings would be attached. Cousins would hit open free agency for the second time in his career.
Conversely, one-tenth is ready to be done, trading Cousins to seemingly whoever will take him. Minnesota has five years of sample size, and Cousins has delivered one playoff win.
Twitter user @Vikingshorn_ commented, “It will be a multi year extension. Doesn’t make sense for KOC and the offense to start over after only two years. The third year is when it should really take off and Kirk will have two years of one offense and the same coach calling it under his belt.”
“Pending a trade offer that you cannot refuse, you let him earn his next contract. Guys seem to play a little better when they are playing for that next contract. Plus it allows kwesi and koc 1 more year to decide if they wish to continue with kirk or go in another direction,” Owen Miller replied to the poll.
Jonas Stärk opined, “I think depending on the terms, I’m okay with everything except a multi-year extension.”
“I like him and I think he’s been great. That being said, ride the year out and let him walk. We’ve had enough years to try and get it done with him at the helm and we’ve failed (as a team, not him). Who knows, maybe he comes back next year anyway,” Twitter user fenrir2888 opined.
Various Vikings leaders, from Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, Kevin O’Connell, to Brian Flores, have already preached “championship standard” stakes in 2023, so to effectuate a Super Bowl push, Cousins may be the best option available. That would also imply Cousins is on deck for an extension.
Vikings brass should decide on Cousins’ contract by mid-March.
Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. Subscribe to his daily YouTube Channel, VikesNow. He hosts a podcast with Bryant McKinnie, which airs every Wednesday with Raun Sawh and Sal Spice. His Vikings obsession dates back to 1996. Listed guilty pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, ‘The Sopranos,’ and The Doors (the band).
All statistics provided by Pro Football Reference / Stathead; all contractual information provided by OverTheCap.com.