Kirk Cousins may return to the Minnesota Vikings next season. However, with his free agency coming on the heels of a disappointing season, they may face heavy competition.
“Best free agent bet for Cousins, if the Vikings don’t re-sign him, seems to be the Atlanta Falcons, who could have $50 million in salary cap space after some anticipated player cuts, including QB Taylor Heinicke, the ex-Viking,” wrote Charley Walters of the Pioneer Press on December 23.
Cousins was injured in Week 8 while the Vikings were on a three-game winning run.
This season, he completed 69.5% of his throws for 2,331 yards, 18 touchdowns, and five interceptions. His 291 throwing yards per game rank second in his career and still lead the NFL.
Cousins signed a one-year, $35 million contract extension with the Vikings in 2022.
Kirk calm in the pocket.
📺: #SFvsMIN on ESPN/ABC
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/riDUhbzXkK pic.twitter.com/5UbDPIDJq6— NFL (@NFL) October 24, 2023
The four-time Pro Bowler told ESPN’s Adam Schefter that he believes his “best football” still lies ahead of him, and that he wants to re-sign. But Walters notes the inherent risk.
“The free agency market for Kirk Cousins… could reach $40 million next spring,” Walters added.
“However, Cousins isn’t expected to be fully recovered when free agency begins in March.” The draft isn’t until April, and there’s no guarantee the Vikings will receive a top-tier quarterback. Cousins, who will be 36 next year, also runs the danger of reinjuring his Achilles. This danger will have an impact on how much money the Vikings are willing to guarantee in a contract.”
Nick Mullens and Jaren Hall are still under contract with the Vikings. But Walters believes they “can’t” go into the season with either of them as the starter.
Similarly, Joshua Dobbs has gone from starter to emergency third-string quarterback.
The Falcons are 6-8 on the season. Despite playing multiple quarterbacks, they have a chance to win the division and make the playoffs, much like the Vikings. Desmond Ridder, a 2022 third-round pick, started the season.
Kirk calm in the pocket.
📺: #SFvsMIN on ESPN/ABC
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/riDUhbzXkK pic.twitter.com/5UbDPIDJq6— NFL (@NFL) October 24, 2023
“The free agency market for Kirk Cousins… could reach $40 million next spring,” Walters added.
“However, Cousins isn’t expected to be fully recovered when free agency begins in March.” The draft isn’t until April, and there’s no guarantee the Vikings will receive a top-tier quarterback. Cousins, who will be 36 next year, also runs the danger of reinjuring his Achilles. This danger will have an impact on how much money the Vikings are willing to guarantee in a contract.”
Walters’ estimate for Cousins’ prospective compensation is more than what Pro Football Focus’ Brad Spielberger said could be in the works for him. With $35 million in cap space planned for next season, the Vikings could be priced out of the market.
Kirk Cousins’ Potential Falcons Fit
The Falcons are 6-8 this season. Despite using different quarterbacks, they have a chance to win the division and make the playoffs, much like the Vikings. Desmond Ridder, a 2022 third-round pick, started the first game of the season.
Heinicke joined the Vikings in 2015 and spent two seasons with the team, never throwing a regular-season pass.
Atlanta used him in Week 8 to replace Ridder, who was being evaluated for a concussion. Heinicke stayed in the game and began the following two weeks, although he lost all three. After replacing Heinicke in Week 10, Ridder has started each of the following four games, going 2-2.
According to Tankathon, the Falcons will hold the No. 10 overall pick in the 2024 draft.
After moving back, it may still be possible to get one of the next tier of quarterbacks – Bo Nix, Michael Penix Jr., or JJ McCarthy. None of them are projected to be ready to play next season, which may keep Cousins in the mix. However, it does imply that the Falcons may be less ready to spend what it may take to pry Cousins from Minnesota.
Vikings Insider: Drafting QB the ‘Most Obvious Path’ to Replacing Kirk Cousins
“The most obvious path for the Vikings’ future is also the most enticing: Draft a quarterback in the first round and settle the position for the next 5 to 10 years,” the Star Tribune’s Jim Souhan wrote on December 23.
Tankathon also predicts that the Vikings will draft McCarthy with the 20th overall pick.
On both sides of the ball, the Vikings must make numerous crucial decisions. When it comes to Cousins, they’re stuck between a rock and a hard place.
