New report reveals Vikings crushed the dreams of Kirk Cousins

Earlier this year, veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins made the decision to move on from the Minnesota Vikings and sign a multi-year contract with the Atlanta Falcons.

After six seasons with the Vikings, leaving the Twin Cities this year wasn't an easy choice for Cousins to make, and it turns out that it was one that he likely didn't want to make at all.

According to a recent report from ESPN's Kevin Seifert, "Cousins had said publicly and privately that he wanted to finish his career in Minnesota" before eventually signing with the Falcons. However, the Vikings made a choice that ultimately resulted in the veteran signal-caller leaving for Atlanta.

Minnesota Vikings weren't willing to give Atlanta Falcons QB Kirk Cousins what he wanted

Despite Cousins's reported desire to "finish his career" with the Vikings, remaining with the team was also going to depend on whether or not they were willing to give him the type of contract that he wanted.

Since he is currently a member of Atlanta's roster, it's clear that Minnesota was unwilling to offer him a deal that met all of his requirements to re-sign.

The Vikings did reportedly offer Cousins a contract that included a fully guaranteed salary for the 2024 season, according to Seifert. But the offer didn't include anything fully guaranteed in 2025 or beyond, and that is what ultimately resulted in both parties going their separate ways.

So, how badly did Cousins actually want to retire with Minnesota? Well, his desire wasn't high enough to cause the quarterback to accept almost any contract the Vikings were willing to offer. Cousins wanted more job security from a new deal, and the offer Minnesota presented didn't include that.

Instead, he left for the Falcons, who gave him a four-year, $180 million contract that includes $90 million fully guaranteed. The deal is also set up in a way that makes it difficult for Atlanta toavoid any significant financial penalties if they want to move on from Cousins before the 2027 offseason.

So, in the end, he was able to get the type of contract that he was hoping for this year. But it seems like Cousins probably wished the deal would have been from the Vikings and not the Falcons.

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