Here are the three potential destinations for the Minnesota Vikings star quarterback, Kirk Cousins as he’s set to hit free agency. According to a source, the Vikings aren’t willing to give Cousins a fully guaranteed contract. He always has been on guaranteed contracts since he started his tenure in Minnesota, but that’s all changed now. There hasn’t been any progression of contract talks and they’ve only “touched base” on negotiations.
There would need to be more than touching base if they want something to work out. Cousins, 35, is still recovering from a torn Achilles tendon so Minnesota probably won’t risk bringing him back. At this rate, given his age and healing, he could already be moved to a new team at the start of the market. The Vikings risk losing Cousins, which looks like it isn’t a bother to them.
Also, the Vikings can’t use a franchise tag on Cousins, so he’ll be free to sign where he wants. The 2023 season for the Minnesota Vikings didn’t go as well after winning 13 games and the NFC North in 2022. Cousins suffered his gruesome injury in the middle of the season and had to use three different quarterbacks. None of them played up to their potential to lift the Vikings to playoff contention.
The Vikings now face high-stakes at the most important position in the league, so it’s a wonder who they will select as their next franchise quarterback. According to a report, the New England Patriots are open to trading back in the NFL Draft so they may do so with the Vikings. Minnesota has a plan and that may be Jayden Daniels or Drake Maye.
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Three Potential Destinations for Minnesota Vikings Star Quarterback Kirk Cousins
New England Patriots
It could be smarter for the Patriots to draft their next quarterback, but since they’ll likely trade back then Cousins could be an option. Despite his injury, he’s a mobile veteran quarterback who has experience and that might be what Robert Kraft is thinking. However, Cousins may be hesitant about rebuilding an organization under his leadership and might want to go to a complete team. This might not matter given the history that New England has and the bolstering defense that they’re building.
The only issue is the price that Cousins will bring to the team. New England has pretty much every hole on their offense that they need to address this offseason. If they can bring back at least one of their pending free agents, Hunter Henry, they could be in line to revamp their offense. If they get Cousins, then they may look towards the draft to get star Marvin Harrison Jr. as their next WR1.
Atlanta Falcons
Here is a team that seems likely the destination for Cousins. He could elevate Atlanta’s offense which features running back Bijan Robinson, wide receiver Drake London and tight end Kyle Pitts. If they land Cousins, they could arguably be the favorites to win the NFC South, especially under their stout defense. The Falcons have $25 million in cap space to enter the sweepstakes so they could still offer him a pretty good deal.
Las Vegas Raiders
The Raiders could be aggressive in reaching out to Kirk Cousins because, unlike Atlanta, they don’t have a top-10 draft pick. They could lure the four-time Pro Bowler a deal he can’t turn down. His pairing with Davante Adams would make sense since he gave the Vikings’ quarterback a lot of praise as a signal-caller. The Raiders have $35.2 million in cap space, so they could be the team to offer him the highest bid.
