Insider: NFC Championship Coach Could Press for Vikings’ Kirk Cousins to Sign
There won’t be a scarcity of suitors for Cousins’ services if he becomes a free agent on March 13, despite the fact that he will turn 36 at the beginning of the next season and is recovering from a season-ending injury.
The Denver Broncos may even go after Cousins, according to NFL source Tom Pelissero.”The Broncos have all options at quarterback,” Pelissero stated on February 23’s “The Rich Eisen Show.” They’re probably going to examine all of these quarterbacks who are available as free agents. The Broncos might potentially challenge Kirk Cousins, and I wouldn’t even rule that out.
Sean Payton, the former head coach of the New Orleans Saints who won one Super Bowl, might lead the way, according to Pelissero.
As the head coach of the Broncos, Payton is entering his second season.Pelissero predicted that Sean Payton would desire a partner. I wouldn’t rule anything out if he thinks Kirk Cousins offers him the best opportunity to compete in an extremely competitive division.
Russell Wilson is “somebody” for the Broncos. For a total of $242.6 million, he has five more years left on his contract. However, he and Payton had heated conversations last season off the field.
Wilson was benched by Payton, Although Wilson has been given permission to return for the upcoming season by all parties, including general manager George Paton, the league believes the Broncos will cut the quarterback at some point this offseason.
Mary 17 may make that decision. At that point, Wilson’s $35 million compensation for 2025 is assured in full. In addition, Cousins will formally enter free agency in four days, which puts the Vikings in a difficult situation.
Kirk Cousins reminds us of QB Sean Payton. 69.5% of Cousins’ passes for 2,331 yards and 18 touchdowns with five interceptions were completed last season. Former Saints quarterback Drew Brees observed that Wilson’s strongest traits are in many ways directly counter to what Payton is looking for in a passer.
Brees stated on “Pro Football Talk” on February 8 that he “didn’t feel like the timing, the rhythm, or the tempo that I’m used to seeing in a Sean Payton offense as I watched them play this year.” These are the offense’s defining characteristics. That is the benchmark that has been established.
When the play collapses, Wilson performs best under unscheduled circumstances.Cousins’s game contains a few creations. He is mostly a time- and rhythm passer, though. That’s why he meshes so well with Kevin O’Connell, the head coach of the Vikings.
Vikings’ Attempt to Retain Kirk Cousins May Gain Momentum. In 2024, the NFL declared that the salary cap would be $255.4 million. According to Pelissero on February 23, each team has an extra $30 million over their projected budget. The rise is the consequence of advances from the COVID-19 era being reimbursed.
Before making any more moves, it gives the Vikings $40.9 million in cap room, according to Spotrac. That’s more than the Broncos have going into the summer. The Vikings might be less hesitant to provide an aging Cousin another big contract as a rest.