Kirk Cousins, a former quarterback with the Washington Commanders, proved he belonged and is among the best in the NFL by
finding success with the Minnesota Vikings. PFF projects that the upcoming free agent will earn $70 million over the course of two
years. After suffering an Achilles tear, Cousins is among the top quarterbacks available in the offseason, when many teams are looking
for quarterbacks.
But according to Bleacher Report’s Alex Kay, he thinks the Vikings should allow the former Commanders quarterback to depart in free
agency.
“Kirk Cousins is among the best NFL quarterbacks currently playing, but he hasn’t had much success in the postseason with the
Minnesota Vikings. In the six seasons that Cousins has spent in the Twin Cities, Minnesota has only made it to the
“Even though Cousins was excellent in the regular season—he had appeared in the Pro Bowl in three of his previous four healthy
seasons and was on the verge of another selection until an Achilles injury ended his 2023 campaign after eight games—it is telling that
he hasn’t had many significant wins.
Given the injury and the possibility of a contract worth more than $70-million, it seems reasonable to let Cousins depart, but the
Vikings would have to look elsewhere for a quarterback. Arguably the best wide receiver in football, Justin Jefferson has had a great
deal of success with Cousins.
Cousins will probably be the best option available to them unless they choose to move Jefferson and other veterans. In each of his last
three complete seasons, he has thrown for over 4,000 yards. Prior to his Achilles injury, Cousins also had a strong performance,
throwing for 2,331 yards, 18 touchdowns, and 5 interceptions.
Can the Commanders Reunite Cousins?
There will be interest from other teams across the league in signing Cousins if the Minnesota Vikings decide to let him depart.
If they so desired, the Washington Commanders may be included. They have the largest cap space in football, nearly $70 million,
according to nearly the Cap. But the Commanders would be better served by searching for players who can support their anticipated
rookie quarterback and new head coach Dan Quinn.
Although he is undoubtedly a top-tier quarterback and there is a situation in which it makes sense, the Commanders ought to focus on
finding their franchise quarterback at the age of 35 and with the second overall pick.
Vikings Might Commit the Same Error as Commanders
In the fourth round of the 2012 NFL Draft, Cousins was selected by the Washington Commanders. It wasn’t until 2015 that he was
given the starting job, and he did a fantastic job of it, throwing for over 4,000 yards in his three full seasons. Every season, cousins’
passing total was at least 25 touchdowns.
It would have made sense for them to keep Cousins if they could go back and make this decision again. Taylor Heinicke, Case Keenum,
and Alex Smith haven’t been the solution.
The Minnesota Vikings need to remember that. Moving Cousins doesn’t necessarily make them better as they are right now, unless
they’re willing to start over or have a trade that gets them a QB.
According to Nick Shook of NFL.com, general manager of the Vikings Kwesi Adofo-Mensah stated that he plans to have Cousins back
for the upcoming campaign.
“Now, in the end, it all boils down to finding a solution that benefits both parties and all that, but as a player, I definitely want him
back here.”
Cousins is likely to sign with a rival team if the Vikings and him are unable to reach a mutually beneficial agreement.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!
