5 players on the Minnesota Vikings’ 2018 free-agent wish list
By Adam Patrick
Kirk Cousins, QB
Picking who their starting quarterback is for 2018 will arguably be the Vikings single-most important decision this offseason. Minnesota just has to figure out if they want to pursue someone new in free agency or re-sign a signal caller from their 2017 roster.
Of the free-agent quarterbacks available this year, Cousins is really the only one worth spending money on (Drew Brees is staying in New Orleans, so let’s stop thinking he’s coming to the Vikings). But spending money is exactly what Minnesota will have to do in order to sign Cousins (estimated market value of at least $25 million per year).
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Despite his price tag, adding Cousins would provide some actual stability for the Vikings at the quarterback position. Something Minnesota has not really had since Daunte Culpepper was team’s starter from 2000 to 2005.
For the past three seasons, Cousins has basically been the main source of offensive production for the Washington Redskins. The quarterback has thrown for at least 25 touchdowns and 4,000 yards in each of the last three years despite the Redskins never having a rushing attack that ranked higher than 20th.
In Minnesota, Cousins would not be asked to put the entire offense on his back. Players like Dalvin Cook, Latavius Murray, Stefon Diggs, Adam Thielen, and Kyle Rudolph would allow the quarterback’s best qualities to flourish.
Next: Malcolm Butler to the Vikings?
The Vikings will not be able to spend a ton of money elsewhere if they sign Cousins this offseason. But if they do land the quarterback, chances are it would be money well spent.