Is Kirk Cousins a top-10 quarterback? ESPN reveals their decision

ESPN released their selections of the top 10 quarterbacks in the NFL heading into the 2022 season and they did not pick Kirk Cousins of the Minnesota Vikings.

It’s a debate that has been going on ever since the Minnesota Vikings walked off the field for the final time in the 2021 season. Is Kirk Cousins currently one of the 10 best quarterbacks in the NFL?

When it comes to specific statistics, the case can be made for Cousins as a top-10 quarterback. But when it comes to his overall performance, including his ability to lead his team to wins against tough opponents, the majority believe that the Vikings‘ starting signal-caller is not one of the 10 best in his position group heading into the 2022 season.

On Monday, ESPN released their list of the current top 10 quarterbacks in the NFL, and they are now the latest to not include Cousins among their 10 selections.

https://twitter.com/GetUpESPN/status/1546483114528186368?s=20&t=Foj_hR6T-86hZduqOaNqWw

Minnesota Vikings QB Kirk Cousins not among the best signal-callers in the NFL according to ESPN

To make their selections, ESPN said that they “surveyed more than 50 league executives, coaches, scouts, and players.” Based on the information they received, this is the list that the major sports network came up with.

The list also included some honorable mentions, but Cousins wasn’t a part of this group either. However, ESPN did share that the Minnesota quarterback received at least one vote to be included in the top 10 from the group that was surveyed.

This list from ESPN is the latest to not rank Cousins as a top-10 quarterback heading into the 2022 season. Pro Football Network, The Game Day, Fox Sports, and CBS Sports have all ranked Kirk Cousins outside of their top 10 on their lists of the best current signal-callers in the league as well.

Heading into the 2022 season, Cousins has a great opportunity to change his public perception. With the Vikings hiring Kevin O’Connell to be their new head coach, a former NFL quarterback himself, Cousins is being given the necessary tools to succeed.

What Minnesota’s starting signal-caller chooses to do with these tools will ultimately be up to him. But if he is able to elevate his performance and his team’s performance next season, it’s going to be a lot harder for the majority to keep him out of the top-10 rankings in 2023.