5 paths the Vikings can take with Kirk Cousins this offseason
By Dean Jones
Offer him an extension
Minnesota extending Kirk Cousins seems the most likely scenario at this point, especially given the uncertainty the franchise has had at the quarterback position since Teddy Bridgewater suffered a devastating injury in 2016 that ended his career with the Vikings.
There were plenty of eyebrows raised when the Michigan State product penned a three-year, $84 million deal in 2018. But Cousins has largely played up to his market value despite the obvious jitters he has experienced along the way.
Having Dalvin Cook firing on all cylinders in Minnesota’s backfield was a massive influence on Cousins’ improved play in 2019 and the front office has put some considerable tools around the quarterback to maximize his chances to succeed.
The Vikings’ offensive line play in pass protection remains a concern, as are Minnesota’s chances of winning when the threat of the run is taken away and the game is put in Cousins’ hands.
Cousins will be 32 by the time the 2020 season begins, so his next contract could potentially be his last big one.
Whether he will be seeking something similar to the $28 million annual average he has with his current deal remains to be seen. But given the uncertainty surrounding a number of veterans on the squad and the salary cap restrictions, giving Cousins another giant contract may not be something the Vikings’ front office is willing to do this offseason.