Minnesota Vikings:
Will Kirk Cousins re-sign with Minnesota? It is made feasible by key relationships.
The Vikings’ star QB is out for the season with an Achilles tear.
Kirk Cousins won’t take the field for another NFL game this season — but his future in the league is starting to take shape.
Cousins, who became a free agent in March, is currently recovering from a ruptured Achilles tendon on his right leg. Cousins was in the midst of a stellar statistical season with the Minnesota Vikings, so much so that the Vikings are allegedly considering re-signing him this offseason.
Cousins is O’Connell’s guy.
Cousins’ close bond with second-year head coach Kevin O’Connell could be pivotal in determining where the quarterback will reside in 2024.
O’Connell and Cousins clicked almost away in 2022, and despite some luck in close games, the Vikings went 13-4 before losing in the first round of the playoffs, the third-best season in franchise history. Cousins was named to the Pro Bowl for the fourth time in his career and had his eighth consecutive season with at least 25 touchdown passes – despite having a career-high 14 interceptions.
The Vikings started 1-4 this season, but Cousins had helped them break their losing run before suffering an Achilles injury against the Green Bay Packers. He had an 18-5 touchdown-interception ratio and a 291.4 passer rating.
Cousins is fight to restore his former form.![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/F-7rS64WsAArVW1?format=jpg&name=900x900)
However, the Vikings’ quarterback plans are still in flux. Minnesota keeps winning, and rookie starter Joshua Dobbs has become an NFL sensation. Minnesota might make the playoffs without Cousins’ on-field assistance.
Cousins’ injury to his dominant leg may cause him trouble when he returns to action. His arm could be a touch weaker, especially since he’ll be entering his age-36 season. But with aid from an outstanding wide receiver like Justin Jefferson, the Vikings could be in a unique position to weather any lingering consequences from Cousins’ tragic injury.