Vikings: Kirk Cousins finally addresses the elephant in the room
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins is in a familiar position entering the final year on his contract in 2023. Cousins will have to once again prove that he is worth investing in as he hopes to earn a new deal with the team following a productive season. Many star players handle this type of situation […]
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins is in a familiar position entering the final year on his contract in 2023. Cousins will have to once again prove that he is worth investing in as he hopes to earn a new deal with the team following a productive season.
Many star players handle this type of situation differently, but Cousins is approaching it like a true pro. Though the Vikings enjoyed a 13-win regular season in 2022, Cousins knows he must be more consistent if Minnesota is to keep him around.
It can be uncomfortable for key players to enter what many around the league refer to as a prove-it year. But Cousins isn’t worried about working out an extension at this moment.
"I think we'll probably talk about the contract next March," Cousins said on Thursday. "Until then, [we'll] just focus on this season and the job to do right now."
Entering his 12th season in the NFL, Cousins has demonstrated that he is capable of playing at a top 10 level at his position. But he knows his past accomplishments, including four Pro Bowl nods, won’t dictate his future.
"In this league, there should never be entitlement," Cousins said. "You've always got to go play, and teams can do whatever they want to do. That's their prerogative. You just go to work. You do the best you can. I'm encouraged and excited because I do feel like I've got a lot of good football ahead of me."
It’s important to remember that Cousins isn’t ready to leave Minnesota. Earlier this offseason he expressed his desire to continue building a Super Bowl contender with the Vikings.
“I want to be in Minnesota. Yeah, that’s kind of a no-brainer, so hopefully we can earn the right to do that. I’ve always said that. When I say I would like to be in Minnesota, there’s a lot of things I would like to have, but you’ve got to go earn it. That’s kind of where I’m at.”
Featured image via Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports
