5 reasons why the Vikings should keep Stefon Diggs in 2020
By Dean Jones
Chemistry with Cousins
The friction between Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins and Stefon Diggs was palpable at times last season. But whatever the former Washington Redskins standout feels about his star receiver, he should be lobbying to keep him around.
Let’s not forget that Cousins himself is facing an uncertain future heading into the final year of his $84 million contract. If he is not offered an extension this offseason, then the gunslinger is going to have to put up some lofty numbers to secure a long-term deal with Minnesota or another team.
The chances of this would decrease considerably if Cousins were to lose his main deep threat. The two mutually benefited from their outstanding level of play last season and there is plenty of cause for encouragement that could get even better in 2020.
Cousins rose to the occasion when he was verbally challenged by Diggs and Adam Thielen last season. This played a big part in the Vikings reaching the playoffs, but those frustrations came about once again when things got tough against the New Orleans Saints and San Francisco 49ers.
Problems like this are always going to happen when a receiver doesn’t get as many targets as they would like. What was key is that Cousins responded the way a leader should and elevated his game to a level not seen from the quarterback before.
It is clear that he is motivated by someone like Diggs to raise his game every time he takes the field. Losing someone like that could potentially see Cousins lose focus in addition to seeing his production take a dip.
If this were to transpire, then Cousins would probably be following Diggs out of the door in 2021.