Minnesota’s predicament is complicated by the approaching free agency of six-year starter Kirk Cousins.
Ian Rapoport, Tom Pelissero, and Mike Garafolo reported on Super Bowl Sunday that the Vikings desire to keep Cousins. However, Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated claimed on February 19 that the team will not provide the quarterback the fully guaranteed contract that he seeks.
As a result, a player like Sam Darnold of the San Francisco 49ers might be available for Minnesota this summer.
“If the price tag [on Cousins] gets too high, the Vikings likely would pursue a more economical veteran and hope that player becomes this year’s Baker Mayfield — current 49ers backup Sam Darnold, among others, would make sense — while also potentially drafting a QB,” Rapoport said. “Complicating matters is that superstar receiver Justin Jefferson is also looking for a new contract after negotiations failed before the season. Jefferson is a Cousins supporter and will want to know the quarterback’s plans before signing on for the long run.”
