Kirk Cousins’ Best Landing Spot Named
It is the most prominent topic in Minnesota until it is resolved one way or another: Kirk Cousins, the organization’s quarterback since 2018, is an unrestricted free agent in March. After years of unnecessary trade speculation, the thought of him leaving the Vikings is urgent for the first time. But this time, he might actually leave and play for a different team in 2024.
Kirk Cousins’ Best Landing Spot Named
He has never been an elite quarterback, but he has been a pretty good one on the field and a true class act off the field. The veteran quarterback made the trip to three of his four Pro Bowls since moving to Minnesota, and he tied the record for the most fourth-quarter comebacks in a season in 2022.
His 2023 season was cut short due to a season-ending Achilles tear, a brutal break for the passer but also his team that was slowly starting to be the best version of itself with an improved defense and a signal-caller who has never been more comfortable in an offensive scheme. Cousins was on pace to produce career numbers, ending Week 8 with 2,331 passing yards and 18 passing scores, in reach of shattering some single-season franchise milestones.
Because of his excellent play, there should be a significant market for the veteran, regardless of his age and the injury. But the best landing spot, according to Alex Ballentine from Bleacher Report, is just to stay put:
If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.
Kirk Cousins’ future is murky. He suffered a torn Achilles in Week 8, which leaves questions about what he will look like by Week 1 of the 2024 season. Aside from the injury, he’s the top quarterback on the free-agent market.
That could mean there are multiple teams interested in his services next season, but the best-case scenario for him is that he winds up right where he left off as the quarterback of the Minnesota Vikings.
After all, just about every quarterback would love to be throwing the ball to Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison and T.J. Hockenson. There are no questions about whether Cousins fits into the system or can have success with their offensive line. He’s already done it.
Cousins was among the top quarterbacks statistically when he went down with the injury. Assuming his recovery goes well, it would make sense for him to want to keep things rolling with Kevin O’Connell and Co.
Alex Ballentine, Bleacher Report
Potential destinations include the New England Patriots and the Washington Commanders, although they are in a position to secure one of the top QB prospects in the draft, as well as the Atlanta Falcons and the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Ballentine mentioned why re-signing the longtime QB makes sense for the Vikings. He can execute O’Connell’s offense and throw the ball to his star receivers, and it is certainly the best option for the 2024 season.
Both parties, the Vikings and Cousins, have stated their intention to keep their working relationship alive, but the contract structure and the potential savings against the cap might lead to a different result.
A reason to move on from him, however, is that the Vikings can draft his successor and start the future now. Rumors about the intention to trade up in the draft to get one of the top guys have surfaced, and it makes sense, especially if Cousins isn’t re-signed for another season.
It will remain the top storyline in Minnesota, and all options are on the table at this point.
Janik Eckardt is a football fan who likes numbers and stats. The Vikings became his favorite team despite their quarterback at the time, Christian Ponder. He is a walking soccer encyclopedia, loves watching sitcoms, and Classic rock is his music genre of choice. Follow him on Twitter if you like the Vikings: @JanikEckardt
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