ESPN predicts what Minnesota Vikings will do with Kirk Cousins this offseason
Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins missed a chunk of the fall because of an Achilles injury. And now, he could be one of the highest profile players to switch teams in the offseason.
But will the Vikings let this 36-year-old team leader go when his contract expires? ESPN speculated on the futures of a number of players, including Cousins. And their consensus was he’s sticking with the Vikings.
As ESPN beat reporters wrote of Cousins: “he has repeatedly said he wants to end his career in Minnesota, and as he departed the locker room for the offseason, Cousins left the clear impression that he hoped the Vikings’ offer would reflect a similar wish.
“It’s not about the dollars,” Cousins told reporters “but it is about what the dollars represent.”
Kevin Seifert, who covers the Vikings for ESPN, predicts that Minnesota will offer Cousins a two-year extension. “That gives the Vikings two years — until Cousins is 38 years old — to draft and develop his successor,” Seifert predicted.
Vikings, selecting 11th, may not find the perfect QB pick
The Vikings select 11th in April’s NFL Draft. That’s too low to nab an elite quarterback like Caleb Williams, Drake Maye or Jayden Daniels. That trio could go in the top five, but certainly the top 10. Then again, the Vikings’ 11th pick may be too high to go for a quarterback in the next layer. Those are prospects like J.J. McCarthy and Bo Nix.
There could be other veteran free agent quarterbacks available. Russell Wilson and the Broncos likely will part ways. ESPN believes Wilson ends up with the Falcons. Then there’s Baker Mayfield, who led the Bucs to the playoffs. ESPN believes Mayfield sticks in Tampa Bay. But keep your eyes on Justin Fields. The Bears own the top pick of the draft. Although Fields still has a year remaining on his contract. However, Chicago needs to decide by May 2 whether to pick up the fifth-year option on Fields’ contract. They also may receive some offers for their quarterback.
There are a handful of former or current starting quarterbacks who could be available on the open market. Would the Vikings look to any of these guys? They are Jimmy Garoppolo (Raiders), Mac Jones (Patriots), Zach Wilson (Jets) and Taylor Heinicke (Falcons). Plus, veteran journeyman Gardner Minshew, who filled in with the Colts this past season, likely will switch teams.