Kirk Cousins’ ideal future doesn’t match up with the Vikings

Kirk Cousins wants to retire as a member of the Minnesota Vikings. That sounds nice in theory, but is unlikely in practice.

Cousins has several good years left, which is why the Vikings extended his contract for a year and metaphorically took him off the trade block. Despite his flaws in key moments, Cousins is a very capable quarterback, and the NFC is wide open.

At a press conference this week, Cousins acknowledged those trade rumors, while also stating definitively that he wanted to retire in Minnesota.

Several teams expressed trade interest in Cousins this offseason. Considering the draft capital quarterbacks were going for, it’s tough to blame the Vikings for listening to the ground.

"“The agreement (Cousins new contract) comes after multiple teams expressed interest in trading for Cousins, according to sources, but instead leaves the Vikings committed to the 33-year-old quarterback in a clear sign that they will be doing everything in their power to snap a two-year skid without a playoff berth,” wrote Chad Graff of The Athletic."

Will Kirk Cousins retire with Minnesota Vikings?

Cousins contract only runs through 2023, and he’s set to make $35 million guaranteed in the final year of his contract. At that point, Cousins will be 35 years old.

Despite what the quarterback may want, unless he ages like fine wine (or perhaps more like Aaron Rodgers), the Vikings will eventually go in a different direction. He’s not consistent enough or Hall-of-Fame caliber, and the fanbase doesn’t have a particular connection to him.

Much of the Vikings core, including Dalvin Cook and Justin Jefferson, don’t match Cousins’ timeline. While he’s a stable enough QB for now, eventually they will have to look elsewhere.

Kwesi Adofo-Mensah knows this, but no one told Cousins.