People around the NFL think the Vikings would bring back Kirk Cousins but he has the final say for one obvious reason
The backup quarterback situation for the Minnesota Vikings has gotten a lot of attention both locally and nationally. Other than J.J. McCarthy, the roster has just one other quarterback in Brett Rypien, who has only started a handful of games. Getting a veteran behind McCarthy who can step in and win a game or two […]
The backup quarterback situation for the Minnesota Vikings has gotten a lot of attention both locally and nationally. Other than J.J. McCarthy, the roster has just one other quarterback in Brett Rypien, who has only started a handful of games.
Getting a veteran behind McCarthy who can step in and win a game or two is something that the Vikings still need to have. The initial thought was that the compensatory formula had something to do with it, but general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah gave some insight on it being a little bit more complicated than that.
Kirk Cousins to Vikings could still be in play
One of the backup quarterbacks that the Vikings have been connected to over the course of the last few weeks has been a familiar face: quarterback Kirk Cousins.
There are some interesting opinions on why this could or couldn't work, but it starts with the Atlanta Falcons deciding to either trade or release him. ESPN's Adam Schefter provided a lot of intel across the league with the future of Cousins being a main topic.
Publicly, the Falcons have said they're not interested in trading quarterback Kirk Cousins but that they'd entertain offers if the right deal was on the table. Privately, they have had discussions with teams — and have asked for a lot in return, per sources.
Atlanta has asked for any acquiring team to pay $20 million of the $45 million worth of guarantees left on Cousins' contract. To date, no has been willing to do that, and no team is expected to be willing to. But what happens this weekend — and which franchises come out of the draft with or without rookie quarterbacks — could influence how much guaranteed money a team might be willing to absorb on Cousins' contract.
There is a feeling around the league that a team, whether it is the Vikings or Steelers, might be willing to pay down roughly $10 million. How much any team would be willing to pay also would influence the compensation it gives up. The higher the payment, the lower the draft compensation; the lower the payment, the higher the draft compensation. The Falcons and Cousins, who has a no-trade clause, recognize their future is not together, and how it will play out could very well be influenced by this draft.
The fact that they have had private conversations is an important factor here. They had been steadfast initially about wanting to keep Cousins around, despite his large salary cap hit this year of $40 million. Wanting teams to pay $20 million of his salary this year is a wild number for prospective teams, especially the Vikings.
It's one thing to bring back your former starter, who was controversial with the fanbase, to be the backup quarterback, but to then pay him $20 million with an additional $10 million next year makes little to no sense. Plus, they would have to give up some semblance of draft capital.
There is the added element of Cousins' no-trade clause. He wants to be a starting quarterback, but that time might be over. He will get to choose his next destination, or he can choose to stay in Atlanta and make a bunch of money.
The Vikings' alleged willingness to pay $10 million is about right, since that's what a backup quarterback goes for these days. Giving it to him could make sense, but it's something the Vikings should avoid.
Potential Vikings quarterback target is now available and Kwesi Adofo-Mensah should jump at the chance to acquire him
It’s a no-brainer for the Vikings
