Kirk Cousins deserves his extension, Kevin O’Connell keeps his guy

Kevin O’Connell made it clear that he wanted to build his team around Kirk Cousins, now it’s on Kirk Cousins to ball out.

The Minnesota Vikings have accomplished their main goal for this offseason by figuring out what to do with Kirk Cousins and reducing his $45 million cap hit. The newly appointed head coach made it clear that he wanted to work with Cousins and his request was granted. Although a few fans aren’t happy with the idea of Cousins sticking around, all the facts point to it being the smartest thing to do for a franchise that is trying to win now.

Since his arrival in Minnesota, Kirk Cousins has been a very good quarterback at the very least even though the pass blocking by the offensive line has been terrible. In 2021 Cousins had the second-best touchdown to interception ratio behind Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers. He also ranked top 10 in passing yards and passing touchdowns on his way to his third pro-bowl selection.

The Minnesota Vikings lost seven games in 2021 by a single score or less. In eight games last season Kirk Cousins and the offense put the Vikings in the lead late in the fourth quarter or in position to win but it wasn’t to be. Horrendous clock management in the last two minutes of each half was the downfall of the Vikings and the reason they would ultimately miss the playoffs.

Kirk Cousins’ Opportunity To Change the Narrative

For the first time during his time in Minnesota, Kirk Cousins will have a head coach that will put him in the best positions to succeed. Kevin O’Connell knows Cousins very well from their time together in Washington, everything should be in place for Cousins to take the next step and guide his team to make a run in the playoffs.

With the extension being for only one year, the Vikings will have an opportunity to re-evaluate the position again next year if they feel the needs to do so. However, there is no reason Kirk Cousins shouldn’t silence all his critics this upcoming season.