What should the Vikings do with Kirk Cousins?
By John Buhler
Kirk Cousins is entering the final year of his deal with the Minnesota Vikings. They would be wise to extend him now to free up cap space this offseason.
The Minnesota Vikings need to seriously consider giving Kirk Cousins an extension now.
Cousins is entering the final year of his deal with the Vikings. The former Washington Redskins signal-caller inked a three-year deal worth $84 million as a free agent in 2018. Though the Vikings failed to reach the postseason during his first year in Minneapolis, Cousins not only guided Minnesota to the NFC playoffs in 2019, but defeated the New Orleans Saints in the Superdome.
At 32-years-old, Cousins should have plenty of great years left in the tank. Over the last two seasons, he has provided consistency to the quarterback position the Vikings haven’t had since Daunte Culpepper. That’s not to say he’s a 21st century version of Fran Tarkenton, but the Vikings have the roster around him to win big these next few years, or that’s what they’re counting on.
However, the Vikings are in a horrendous situation up against the salary cap. Minnesota is only $736,556 above the line entering the 2020 NFL offseason. Only the Pittsburgh Steelers are in a worse situation heading into free agency. Though there are other avenues for the Vikings to free up space, an extension and restructuring of Cousins’ contract makes all the sense in the world.
If Cousins were to play out the final year of his deal as constituted, he’ll make $29.5 million in base salary. He would be a $31 million cap hit and would be dead-cap hit for the team at the same dollar amount. After the 2020 NFL campaign, Cousins would be able to take another bite at the apple in free agency entering his age-33 season. He will undoubtedly cash in again.
Cousins is a top-12 quarterback in the league. He would have tremendous leverage if he were to hit the free-agent market next year. There are no guarantees the Vikings would be able to land a quarterback nearly as talented as him on the open market or in the 2021 NFL Draft. Also, he’s brought stability and a great locker room presence to the team. His teammates like the guy.
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In short, Vikings general manager Rick Spielman needs to get to work with Cousins’ agent at Priority Sports & Entertainment to negotiate a new two or three-year extension his quarterback. Lower the annual number in 2020, back-load the contract and make it all guaranteed as a sign of good faith.
Ultimately, the Vikings want to win a Super Bowl and this is how they can achieve that.