Reportedly, the Minnesota Vikings are intending to retain Kirk Cousins, who is poised to enter free agency this summer, although securing his re-signing won’t be straightforward.
NFL insider Tom Pelissero suggests that despite Cousins being 35 years old and recovering from a torn Achilles, he’ll attract significant interest on the market. Pelissero also notes that the Vikings will explore various options if Cousins opts for another team.
With just a month remaining on his current contract, time is running out for the Vikings and Cousins to reach a new agreement, which seems to be the team’s primary focus this summer.
However, Cousins isn’t the sole free-agent concern for the Vikings. They also need to address deals for star wide receiver Justin Jefferson and Pro Bowl-level pass rusher Danielle Hunter.
Despite playing only 10 games in 2023, Jefferson is in line for a substantial extension, likely propelling him to become one of the highest-earning players in NFL history. Nonetheless, his decision hinges on the resolution of the team’s quarterback situation.
As for Hunter, unable to be franchise-tagged by the Vikings, he’s expected to wait and see how the summer unfolds.
In the event that Cousins departs, the Vikings are likely to target a more cost-effective veteran to fill the starting quarterback role. Sam Darnold is a prime candidate, seen as a potential beneficiary of a change akin to Baker Mayfield’s career resurgence with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2023. Darnold’s acquisition could also afford the Vikings time to develop a rookie quarterback.
Darnold has served as Brock Purdy’s backup with the San Francisco 49ers this season after starting 55 games for the New York Jets and Carolina Panthers before his move to the Bay Area.