Kirk Cousins: Alexander Mattison Sends a Strong Message to the Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings have yet to commit to a quarterback move, and the situation will likely remain fluid in the coming weeks.
Minnesota can extend Kirk Cousins now if the franchise wants, until mid-March before other teams begin free agent negotiations with the QB. Free agency or the NFL draft in late April remain options for the Vikings to add a new signal caller.
Running back Alexander Mattison spoke on FanSided’s “Stacking The Box” podcast on Radio Row at the 2024 Super Bowl on Thursday, February 8. In the interview, Mathieson clarified his feelings about Cousins.
“I pray Kirk Cousins comes back because I love that guy,” Mathieson said. “I’ve been playing with him since I got here. He’s definitely a game changer.”
Cousins was a four-time Pro Bowl selection and led the NFL in passing touchdowns with 18 last season before suffering a season-ending Achilles injury in Week 8 against the Green Bay Packers.
Kirk Cousins is an immediate, ready-to-talk extension from Minnesota.
Kirk Naven, Vikings. Like Mattison, Cousins wants clarity on his future in Minnesota. The fund said as much in an interview with Sky Sports NFL on January 30. “Many of those who inquired, including friends and family, were surprised to hear that talks would not begin until March,” Cousins said. “I want to know where I’m going. “I want to start this conversation now.”
Cousins is currently continuing his Achilles tendon rehab and is expected to be fully healthy for training camp with the Vikings or another organization.
“I’m sitting at home watching the playoffs,” Cousins said. “There’s not much to do other than rehab, but I think we’ll have to wait until the first few weeks of March to have that conversation, so that’s what we’re doing. We’ll wait and see.”
Bringing back Cousins could be an expensive proposition for the Vikings for two years
The challenge facing the Vikings with Nepotul is the 35-year-old’s production and the annual amount the team would have to offer him to keep him in Minneapolis. Spotrac values Cousins at $118.1 million under the new three-year deal. The QB will turn 36 next season.
That’s a risky proposition, as few players in NFL history have had a peak campaign in their late 30s. However, the general consensus around the NFL is that modern medicine and advanced training regimens allow signal callers to be successful in their careers. Tom Brady is a prime example.
Another problem for the Vikings is that Cousins has been good, but not great, in his six years with the franchise. During that time, he made three Pro Bowl appearances, and the team advanced to the playoffs twice and recorded just one postseason victory.
Before Cousins’ recent $35 million extension through 2023 (signed through the 2022 campaign), there were questions about whether Minnesota could win at a Super Bowl level with Cousins under center. The concerns come despite the defender playing the best football of his 12-year career last season before the Achilles tendon injury. This is the second under coach Kevin O’Connell.
Cousins is asking for two years and $90 million to stay with the Vikings, making the decision difficult. Further complicating matters include the no. 11 to Minnesota in the upcoming draft, which is high enough to put him in the conversation for the top QB prospect, but could force the Vikings to lose a significant asset in a trade if they hope to land a member. of the elite. Bring it to the class of 2024.
