Vikings Rumors: Kirk Cousins expected to test free agency this week

After failing to get a new deal done on Sunday, Kirk Cousins will reportedly test the free-agent market this week before considering a return to the Minnesota Vikings.

It's not a final decision yet, but it seems like we're getting closer to actually finding out if Kirk Cousins is going to return to be the starting quarterback of the Minnesota Vikings for the 2024 season or not.

On Sunday, NFL Media's Tom Pelissero shed some light on what lies ahead for Cousins during the next few days.

"The Vikings and Kirk Cousins' agent remain in communication, but at this point, it does appear that the four-time Pro Bowl quarterback is going to hit the free-agent market on Monday."

Vikings Rumors: Multiple teams expected to be interested in Kirk Cousins this week

In addition to the Vikings still being in contention to re-sign Cousins this offseason, Pelissero mentioned the Atlanta Falcons and Denver Broncos as two teams that could attempt to sign the veteran quarterback this week.

We've known about the interest in Cousins that the Falcons have had for a little over a week now. But could the Broncos be a team that comes in out of nowhere and signs the Pro Bowl signal-caller?

Denver general manager George Paton was part of Minnesota's front office when they first signed Cousins back in 2018, so there's certainly a connection there to pay attention to.

Another piece of information that Pelissero shared on Sunday is that Cousins is looking make "upwards of $40 million" per season from his next contract.

If that is truly the case, then the Vikings might be better off letting him sign with another team. Minnesota just has too many other needs to commit that kind of money to a 35-year-old quarterback coming off of a torn Achilles.

But if Cousins winds up not liking anything he's offered during the next few days, then he might be willing to take almost anything to remain with the Vikings and continue to work with Minnesota head coach Kevin O'Connell.

Sunday's report from Pelissero might feel like the beginning of the end for Cousins' time with the Vikings. But for now, it's just the beginning of what is likely going to be a very crazy week in Minnesota.