The latest update on Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins’ recovery from a torn Achilles tendon suggests that he is ahead of schedule and expected to start throwing within a few weeks. This positive development is crucial for Cousins, who, at 36, is approaching the next season and seeking a new contract extension.
Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network reported the encouraging news on January 26, emphasizing that Cousins, who has a history of playing on fully guaranteed contracts for nine consecutive years, is making remarkable progress in his recovery. Despite the ruptured Achilles injury suffered in Week 8 against the Green Bay Packers, Cousins is on track to start throwing before the upcoming combine, showcasing his commitment to being fully prepared for the next season.
Marc Ross, a former NFL front office member and current analyst with NFL Network, highlighted Cousins’ strong negotiating position as he heads into talks with the Vikings and potentially other teams. Ross acknowledged Cousins’ prowess in navigating the free agent and contract extension landscape. Despite the Achilles injury, Cousins has demonstrated his value to the team, especially evident during his absence when the Vikings struggled with quarterback rotations. Ross believes that Cousins, with his proven ability to secure lucrative deals, is poised to cash in once again.
Over the six years with the Vikings, Cousins has signed three deals, accumulating $185 million in earnings. Spotrac estimates his market value for a new three-year contract at over $118 million. This places the Vikings in a challenging position, as retaining Cousins comes at a significant cost, but parting ways with him could also be costly.
If the Vikings choose not to re-sign Cousins due to concerns about his age, cost, and recent injury, they face the challenge of securing a replacement. This could involve drafting a quarterback in April, possibly requiring a trade and sacrificing valuable assets. Alternatively, signing another expensive veteran in free agency may not guarantee the same level of chemistry within the team. There is also the option of relying on unproven quarterbacks like Jaren Hall or Nick Mullens for the 2024 season.
However, a decision to let Cousins go would result in a substantial dead cap hit of $28.5 million if his contract voids in March. Despite the financial implications, signing Cousins to a new deal, even if expensive, appears to be the Vikings’ best strategy to remain competitive in the short term. The Athletic’s Alec Lewis suggested that retaining Cousins could provide a more stable and promising future for the franchise, emphasizing that securing a quarterback like Cousins might be the key to overcoming challenges and reaching greater heights.
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