Latest Kirk Cousins report should make Vikings fans cringe

It sounds like Kirk Cousins is going to remain with the Minnesota Vikings past the 2022 season.

The Minnesota Vikings have made significant changes this offseason, as they hired Kwesi Adofo-Mensah as general manager and Kevin O’Connell as head coach. One topic that has been brought up is the status of Kirk Cousins, who has received nothing but praise. That included new offensive coordinator Wes Phillips.

Mike Garafolo of NFL Network mentioned that there’s a “real long-term possibility for Kirk Cousins in Minnesota.” Garafolo also said that he was told the Vikings told candidates during general manager interviews that they still think they can win with Cousins.

Vikings fans can listen to Garafolo’s comments at this link.

Kirk Cousins could be a long-term option for the Vikings

This may not be something Vikings fans want to hear, but should be prepared in case that is the direction the organization ultimately decides to go in.

Cousins is entering the final season of his two-year, $66 million contract, where he carries a $45 million cap hit. It is unknown if the team will give him a new deal before or after the 2022 season.

The quarterback does have working relationships on the coaching staff. O’Connell was his quarterbacks coach in 2017 with the now-Washington Commanders, while Phillips was the tight ends coach since 2014 until Cousins departure in 2017. Phillips kept that role until 2018.

This past season, Cousins recorded 4,221 passing yards, 33 touchdowns and seven interceptions while completing 66.3-percent of his passes. Cousins played in all but one game, Week 17 against the Green Bay Packers, which he missed after testing positive for COVID-19. The Vikings finished the season with a 8-9 record, missing the playoffs as a result.

Vikings fans, you may need to brace yourselves for Cousins as the team’s starting quarterback in 2022 and potentially beyond.