The Minnesota Vikings and quarterback Kirk Cousins have been at a stand-still in contract negotiations since the beginning of the offseason. This has led to a lot of speculation that the veteran quarterback could sign with a new squad in this year’s free agency as he is set to become one of if not the most sought-after players on the open market. The Vikings have received a lot of criticism from fans and analysts for not making a decision on Cousins right away, saying that they have handled the situation poorly if they intend to retain the veteran quarterback.
Kirk Cousins Negotiation Talks
Minnesota signed the quarterback to a single-year extension two years ago to lower his cap hit for the 2022 season, which the team amounted to a 13-4 record and a divisional crown. Both sides had contract talks once again last year but were unable to agree. Even though Cousins suffered a torn Achilles in 2023, the overall feeling in Minnesota seems to keep the veteran with the squad.
What strategy are the #Vikings playing with Kirk Cousins according to @ProFootballTalk? 👇
“Now, there’s a chance they don’t want to keep him. There’s a chance they want to create the impression that he chose to leave. That it wasn’t their call to not pay $45M per year… If… pic.twitter.com/Ulmscr4cLG
— The Purple Persuasion (@TPPSkol) February 17, 2024
Free Agency
While the front office consistently says they would like to keep Cousins, the overall belief around the league is the Vikings will set him free this offseason to explore new options, which could ultimately land the quarterback with another franchise. While some believe that the team will let him test free agency to see what other squads think he is worth, it could come back to haunt Minnesota if there is a deal too good to pass up on. Analysts like Mike Florio believe that the Vikings are trying to see what they will pay him based on offers from other teams, but could taint the relationship between both sides.
They don’t want to throw a dart in the dark, they want to see what the market will bear, and then they can say, ‘Alright, we’ll pay you that.’ If that’s the approach, that’s a mistake.
Minnesota Vikings Urged To Make Decision Quickly
Florio himself has urged the franchise to make a decision and make it known to the public before the NFL combine to maintain a stable relationship, however, it seems that will not happen as the event is looming near.
Once someone puts big dollars on the table, Kirk may say, ‘It’s too late. You had your chance. You let me consider what it would be like to go elsewhere. You low-balled me, or you no-balled me.’ Basically, why isn’t the deal already done? Why didn’t they get it done when they knew the surgery on his torn Achilles tendon was a success? The longer you wait the more expensive it gets.
Do you think that Cousins will sign with a new team this offseason, or will he remain with the Vikings and sign a multi-year extension?
