Vikings set to ‘explore all options’ for next season despite wanting Kirk Cousins as their quarterback

Kirk Cousins is a four-time Pro-Bowler.

Vikings set to ‘explore all options’ for next season despite wanting Kirk Cousins as their quarterback

Viking QB Kirk Cousins (Via Imago)

The Minnesota Vikings’ 2023 campaign demonstrated exactly what will happen to the team should Kirk Cousins decide to leave. The team collapsed out of the playoff picture after Cousins suffered an Achilles injury. It proved once and for all that Minnesota needs to do everything in their power to keep Cousins from leaving the team.

The Vikings intend to re-sign Cousins to an extension this season, but they are preparing backup plans, per an NFL Media report. The former Washington Redskins’ QB is expected to have a sizable market for his services, even after suffering a torn Achilles at the age of 36, and the Vikings cannot use the franchise tag to keep him off the market.

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According to NFL Media, Minnesota is creating backup plans in case Cousins becomes too costly to retain. In that case, the Vikings would probably pivot to a cheap veteran.

Sam Darnold, the quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers and a former third-overall pick, is said to be one of the players in that category. He recently completed a season in a system that is similar to that which head coach Kevin O’Connell uses. The Vikings also have the 11th pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, so they might look to draft a quarterback in case Cousins doesn’t come back.

Cousins was drafted by the Washington Redskins back in the 2012 NFL Draft. He played in Washington for six seasons before signing with the Vikings in 2018. He has been one of the most consistent performers in the league in recent years and the Vikings will hope to get him back as soon as possible.

Kirk Cousins talks about free agency and his future with the Vikings

The Minnesota Vikings’ QB Kirk Cousins is scheduled to become a free agent in March. He will either sign a new contract before the league season begins or hit the open market because his contract contained a clause prohibiting the team from using the franchise tag.

Kirk Cousins
Kirk Cousins (via Imago)

Both Cousins and Vikings receiver K.J. Osborn, who is also eligible for free agency this offseason, expressed their desire to continue building the team that seemed like an “ascending team” prior to Cousins’ Achilles tear, but Osborn pointed out that they have no control over such decisions.

Cousins said on PFT Live on Wednesday:

That is kind of our attitude. We do have a lot of work to do between September and February. When it gets to February and March, now we kind of are passive. We hired an agent, the team has their role — let’s just see what happens.
Kirk Cousins said

Cousins expressed his desire to play “several more years,” following in the footsteps of players like Tom Brady and Drew Brees. One of the major off-season plots will center on the venue where he will be playing.

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