7:36PM: Russini provided another update on the situation, telling us that Minnesota is “having internal conversations about their offer” to Cousins. They are still reportedly waiting to hear from the veteran passer on his decision, but there is a good feeling in the building that Cousins wants to remain a Viking. The prevailing concern is that the structure of the deal will be crucial to the determination of his decision.
6:57PM: We’ve heard lots in the past week or so on the Falcons’ interest in quarterback Kirk Cousins, but it’s all a moot point until his contract with the Vikings voids on Wednesday. In the meantime, the Vikings have not given up on their efforts to keep their quarterback of the last six years in Minnesota. According to Dianna Russini of The Athletic, the team is expecting to hear Cousins’ decision on whether or not he intends to test free agency tonight.
The Vikings have been working to come to a new agreement since his season-ending injury. Both sides have expressed their interest in extending their time together but talks stalled a bit as Cousins sought certain guarantees into the 2025 season. Time has almost run out, now, with free agency approaching. Tomorrow, teams will have the ability to communicate with free agents, so Cousins’ decision becomes crucial for the intentions of both he and the Vikings.
Also, Wednesday will be a date to watch as it is the day free agency officially opens and Cousins’ contract officially voids, leaving the Vikings with $28.5MM of dead money. The Vikings can avoid that headache with a new extension that allows them to redistribute that money, but if a deal can’t get done, Cousins will hold a $28.5MM cap hit in Minnesota while playing for another team.
Tom Pelissero of NFL Network provided an update as the rumors continue to circulate, saying that, while he and Minnesota remain in communication, Cousins is expected to hit the free agent market tomorrow. Pelissero reiterates Atlanta as a possible destination, throwing in that Denver could also potentially pursue. He claims a new deal for Cousins will likely include over $40MM per year.
Ian Rapoport of NFL Network also commented on the ramifications of Cousins decision. The quarterback dominos are starting to fall with news like the re-signing of Baker Mayfield in Tampa Bay coming earlier today. Russini reports that both Minnesota and Atlanta were keeping a close eye on Mayfield’s eventual landing spot as they deal with their own situations. It sounds like Cousins is expected to be the next big domino to fall, with other options like Justin Fields, Sam Darnold, and even Joe Flacco having to wait to see how the market looks when the dust clears.
Oh man
If he can milk the funds from any billionaire owner group then ‘more power to ya’. Get the gusto while it’s there.
Is Denver going to drop another 10 players to pay him? Atlanta seems more realistic.
I have made peace with Kirk leaving but 2 years at 40 would be titties n beer
Signing a 35 year old QB coming off a major injury to a guaranteed contract is a dumb move.