Kirk Cousins' Asking Price Exceeds Expectations

As the 2024 NFL season approaches and Kirk Cousins, the Minnesota Vikings' quarterback, continues his recovery from a significant Achilles injury, it's becoming evident that any notion of him offering a "hometown discount" or a team-friendly deal may not materialize.

Cousins, who will be 36 years old when the 2024 season kicks off, has stirred apprehension among Vikings fans regarding the possibility of his re-signing with the team. Speculation had suggested that, given his age and injury, Cousins might consider a more affordable contract to stay with the Vikings. However, recent reports suggest otherwise.

Charley Waters of the Pioneer Press reported that there is talk of Cousins seeking a hefty $90 million guaranteed for a two-year contract in free agency, despite his ongoing recovery from Achilles surgery in November. This asking price aligns more with Cousins' history of securing lucrative deals rather than taking a discounted offer.

Cousins and his representation have consistently negotiated substantial contracts since 2016, showcasing their business acumen. While there have been some musings about a potential move to the San Francisco 49ers, those speculations were put to rest as the 49ers advanced to Super Bowl LVIII with another quarterback.

Cousins is set to enter free agency in six weeks unless he and the Vikings' front office can reach a contract extension agreement. His injury in late October coincided with a decline in the team's performance, finishing the season 3-6 without him. The Vikings have expressed their desire to re-sign Cousins for a seventh season, but financial terms have remained a sticking point.

Many Vikings fans seem prepared to part ways with Cousins if his contract demands prove too exorbitant. A Twitter poll conducted among Vikings fans revealed that approximately 60% of respondents are willing to move on if Cousins' asking price surpasses expectations.

If Cousins doesn't agree to a hometown discount, typically ranging from $30 to $35 million per season, it is highly likely that the Vikings will look to select a quarterback in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Otherwise, they may need to explore high-profile trades to acquire a quarterback like Justin Fields or Kyler Murray.

Before his injury, Cousins was on track for an impressive 2023 season, with statistics indicating a trajectory toward 5,000 passing yards, 38 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. The Vikings had shown resilience in their performance, defeating the San Francisco 49ers and the Green Bay Packers in Week 8.

In the event that the Vikings do not re-sign Cousins, they will likely turn to the 2024 NFL Draft for a quarterback. Prospects like Caleb Williams (USC), Drake Maye (North Carolina), Jayden Daniels (LSU), Michael Penix Jr. (Washington), J.J. McCarthy (Michigan), and Bo Nix (Oregon) are expected to be first-round picks.

The final decision on Cousins' future with the Vikings is expected to be made in the coming month or early March.