Kirk Cousins: Is His Time with the Vikings Coming to an End?
Since entering the NFL in 2012, Kirk Cousins has had a successful career, carving out a niche for himself as a starting quarterback. The former fourth-round pick was initially overshadowed by the hype surrounding Robert Griffin III, but when Griffin’s star faded, Cousins stepped up and became a Pro Bowl selection for Washington in 2016. He then moved on to the Minnesota Vikings, where he has spent the past six years.
During his time in Minnesota, Cousins has been able to secure fully guaranteed contracts, a rare feat in a league that typically offers little to no guarantees. However, recent reports suggest that the Vikings may be ready to move on from Cousins and his fully guaranteed deals.
One factor contributing to the uncertainty surrounding Cousins’ future with the Vikings is a recent Achilles injury that limited him to just eight games in the 2023 season. At 35 years old, recovering from such a significant injury could prove to be a challenge for Cousins, and the Vikings may be hesitant to commit to another fully guaranteed contract given the circumstances.
While Cousins has been a solid performer for the Vikings over the past six years, comparisons to other quarterbacks around the league, such as Dak Prescott, highlight the limitations of his postseason success. Despite putting up impressive numbers and leading his team to the playoffs, Cousins has struggled to make a deep postseason run, with a 1-3 playoff record with Washington and Minnesota.
In contrast, Prescott, a similar caliber quarterback, has a slightly better playoff record at 2-5 but has also failed to lead his team to the NFC championship game. The lack of playoff success for both Cousins and Prescott raises questions about their ability to elevate their teams in crucial moments.
The Vikings’ decision to potentially move on from Cousins may be driven by a desire to find a quarterback who can help them advance further in the postseason. The team’s last appearance in the NFC championship game was before Cousins arrived, with Case Keenum leading the charge. While Keenum’s success was short-lived, it highlights the impact a quarterback can have on a team’s postseason aspirations.
As Cousins enters free agency and looks to secure his next contract, it remains to be seen whether the Vikings will be willing to commit to another fully guaranteed deal. Given the uncertainty surrounding Cousins’ recovery from his Achilles injury and his postseason performance, the Vikings may opt to explore other options at the quarterback position.
While Cousins has been a solid contributor for the Vikings, it may be time for both parties to part ways and explore new opportunities. As the NFL offseason unfolds, all eyes will be on Cousins and the Vikings to see how their relationship evolves and whether a new chapter is on the horizon for the talented quarterback.
