The Minnesota Vikings are reportedly set to begin contract discussions with Kirk Cousins without delay.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler disclosed that the Vikings intend to kick off negotiations with Cousins during the upcoming NFL scouting combine.
Speaking on SportsCenter, Fowler remarked, “He will certainly have a job, no doubt about it. People felt like he was throwing the ball better than he really ever had last year before he got hurt. The Vikings, the feeling is they do want to re-sign him. They’re certainly open to talks. They’ll initiate talks around the NFL Scouting Combine next week. Will guaranteed money be the sticking point? He’s always gotten his guaranteed money. Are the Vikings and the new regime willing to do that on a long-term or even short-term deal? They have to decide that in the next few weeks.”
Despite recovering from a torn Achilles, Cousins is anticipated to be the premier quarterback available in free agency. Last season, he amassed 2,331 yards passing and 18 touchdowns with just five interceptions in eight games before his injury.
It’s unlikely that the Vikings will extend a fully guaranteed contract to Cousins, deviating from their previous agreements with the 35-year-old. Cousins originally signed a three-year, $84 million deal with Minnesota in 2018, followed by two extensions totaling $101 million fully guaranteed over three years, taking him through the 2023 season.
Although the Vikings have missed the playoffs in four of Cousins’ six seasons as the primary starting quarterback, he has consistently demonstrated effectiveness as a passer. While some teams might see Cousins as the missing piece for a championship run and offer him a significant deal, the Vikings seem determined to retain him.
