We’re back with more discussions about Kirk Cousins’ contract situation, which may elicit mixed feelings depending on your viewpoint.
As reiterated previously, the Minnesota Vikings must secure a deal with Cousins before the start of the new league year on March 13th to prevent him from becoming an unrestricted free agent. The negotiations surrounding Cousins’ potential compensation have been a topic of debate since he suffered an Achilles injury during Week 8.
Behind the ESPN subscription barrier, Bill Barnwell has provided a projection for Cousins’ potential value in free agency, and it’s a substantial figure.
According to Barnwell, any team aiming for success in the next three years but unable to secure one of the top quarterbacks in the 2024 draft should consider pursuing Cousins. This group includes the Broncos, Buccaneers, Falcons, Raiders, Steelers, and Titans, with the Dolphins and Seahawks as potential options if they part ways with their current starters. While some teams may opt for drafting prospects, Cousins, if his recovery progresses well, could secure another significant contract as a 35-year-old free agent.
The projected average annual salary stands at a staggering $51 million per season.
While I’ve been a vocal supporter of Cousins, if the price tag reaches $51 million per season, count me out. It’s a steep figure for a player of his age returning from such an injury, regardless of his throwing abilities.
However, this poses additional challenges for the Vikings due to their handling of Cousins’ current deal and the impact of void years, which contribute to a $28.5 million cap hit in 2024 if Cousins doesn’t return. The team’s flexibility in offering him a new deal is restricted.
Some of the prorated bonuses were leftover from Cousins’ 2022 extension, while the rest resulted from a 2023 restructure. The void year money would count against Minnesota’s cap in 2024 unless Cousins signs another extension. However, the base salaries in 2024-2027, which serve as placeholder numbers, set a cap for any future extension.
According to the CBA, a player can’t sign a new deal with a raise within a year of another deal. Cousins’ new deal, on paper, is a 5-year, $200-million deal, implying that he may accept a below-market deal or explore free agency in 2024.
If the Vikings want to seal the deal with Cousins before March 13th, it will likely cap at $40 million/year. Otherwise, they won’t proceed due to the $28.5 million dead cap hit and the substantial salary they would have to pay Cousins.
In two weeks, we’ll have a partial answer to the burning question: What’s the Vikings’ plan for the quarterback position in 2024?
