4 ways the Minnesota Vikings can avoid disaster this offseason
By Dean Jones
Vikings must not extend Kirk Cousins
Perhaps the biggest question surrounding the Minnesota Vikings now a new general manager and head coach are in place is the future of quarterback Kirk Cousins. Although there was nothing wrong with his production from a statistical standpoint, another missed postseason casts further doubt on whether he is the man to lead this clear change in direction.
According to Spotrac, Cousins is counting a whopping $45 million against Minnesota’s salary cap in 2022. That is top-tier money whichever way one looks at it and whether the Michigan State product is capable of living up to this salary is highly debatable.
There could be a temptation to extend Cousins this offseason and free up some funds to spend elsewhere. However, the Vikings would be wise not to do this and let the signal-caller see out the final year of his contract.
If Cousins has a phenomenal year and Minnesota exceeds expectations, then he’ll have earned another deal. However, things cannot continue as they are and the only way this financial complication can resolve is by perhaps drafting a young quarterback with promise and using the extra cash to strengthen other areas.
Extending Cousins again in the coming weeks indicates that the Vikings are in win-now mode. However, given how much upheaval has transpired since the 2021 campaign came to a conclusion, that might not be the case.