The Minnesota Vikings are still actively pursuing quarterback Kirk Cousins, reports ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler. Citing a source within the Vikings organization, Fowler stated, “We’re not out of it.”
While there have been rumors linking Cousins to the Atlanta Falcons, with Fowler suggesting he’s their top target, ESPN’s Dan Graziano mentioned that a reunion with Minnesota remains a possibility. Graziano noted that discussions between Cousins and the Vikings were ongoing as of the end of the week, indicating that the Vikings are still very much involved in the negotiations.
According to Dianna Russini and Alec Lewis of The Athletic, the Vikings are anticipating a decision from Cousins by Sunday night. They highlighted that Cousins’ contract doesn’t expire until Wednesday, giving the team time to extend an offer before his dead cap hit becomes official.
The Vikings are expecting to hear from Kirk Cousins tonight on his decision to explore free agency, sources tell me and @alec_lewis Of note: His contract does not void until Wednesday so the team will have until then to extend him before his dead cap hit officially hits the books… pic.twitter.com/A4QJlQKJqg
— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) March 10, 2024
For Minnesota, re-signing Cousins is the preferred outcome due to a lack of viable alternatives. As the top free-agent quarterback available, Cousins offers stability and experience. The other notable quarterbacks in free agency, including Baker Mayfield, Russell Wilson, Gardner Minshew, and Jacoby Brissett, don’t instill the same level of confidence.
With the 11th overall pick in the upcoming NFL draft, the Vikings may not have the opportunity to secure a top-tier quarterback prospect. The projected top quarterbacks in the draft, such as Caleb Williams, Drake Maye, Jayden Daniels, and J.J. McCarthy, are expected to be off the board within the first eight picks.
Within the team, there isn’t a clear successor to Cousins, especially after the Vikings rotated through multiple quarterbacks following his season-ending Achilles injury.
While there are concerns surrounding Cousins, particularly regarding his age and recent injury, his absence would leave the Vikings in a difficult position, likely forcing the front office to scramble for alternatives this offseason.
