This offseason, the Vikings must make a significant choice about their quarterback situation. They could expect fierce competition if they decide to re-sign Kirk Cousins for the 2024 campaign.
Pro Football Focus has ranked Cousins as the second-best free agent out of the top 100 players who will be eligible for free agency in 2024. With 2,331 passing yards, 18 touchdowns, and just five interceptions, he was on pace for a career year in 2023. However, a ruptured right Achilles tendon ended his season after just eight games. After some early-season difficulties, Cousins and the Vikings appeared to be settling into a groove until this setback happened.
As the starting quarterback for the Vikings over the last six seasons, Cousins has accumulated a 50-37-1 record. He completed his passing for 23,265 yards, 171 touchdowns, and 55 interceptions in this period. Even though the squad qualified for the playoffs twice in 2019 and 2022, they have only won once since Cousins’ arrival in 2018.
There has been conjecture over Cousins’ future in Minnesota due to the team’s lack of postseason success and whether the Vikings will look at re-signing him or selecting a possible successor. The Vikings are also worried about cap space because they need to sign more impact players and extend contracts for players like Christian Darrisaw and Justin Jefferson.
This summer, Cousins is expected to seek a two-year, $60 million contract, according to Pro Football Focus. The only player on the free-agent roster ranked higher than him is Chris Jones, a defensive lineman with the Kansas City Chiefs. Jones is anticipated to sign a four-year, $120 million contract given his stellar season stats, which include 29 tackles, 12 for loss, and 9.5 sacks.
Pro Football Focus’ top-100 list has a number of significant upcoming free agents, including safety Antoine Winfield Jr. of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (ranked No. 8). With a great season that included 117 tackles, five sacks, five forced fumbles, four fumble recoveries, and three interceptions, Winfield is expected to be franchise-tagged.
