Why Dalvin Cook's departure could spell trouble for another Vikings star
The Minnesota Vikings are undergoing a facelift after parting ways with multiple stars this offseason. Eric Kendricks and Adam Thielen found new homes in free agency, while Dalvin Cook is reportedly in his final hours with the Vikings. With so many of the team’s pillars from the last decade moving on, there is reason to […]
The Minnesota Vikings are undergoing a facelift after parting ways with multiple stars this offseason. Eric Kendricks and Adam Thielen found new homes in free agency, while Dalvin Cook is reportedly in his final hours with the Vikings.
With so many of the team’s pillars from the last decade moving on, there is reason to believe the biggest change could still be yet to come.
Vikings QB Kirk Cousins is entering the final year of his contract in 2023. Without two of his top weapons at his disposal for the upcoming season, Cousins must overcome adversity if he wants a new deal in Minnesota.
Cousins’ performance in 2023 is the biggest factor in his tenure with the Vikings. But perhaps the Vikings turning the page with some of its star veterans suggests Cousins could be the next to go in order for the Vikes to fully turn the page.
Minnesota turns to Brian Asamoah to fill Kendricks’ shoes, Jordan Addison to replace Thielen and Alexander Mattison to take over for Cook. But the Vikings don’t have a viable option behind Cousins as the roster is currently constructed.
The Vikings took former BYU QB Jaren Hall in the fifth round of the 2023 draft and have backup journeyman Nick Mullens in the quarterbacks room as well. However, neither is a legitimate threat to start next season.
If the Vikings are bracing the fan base for a new era without Cousins, there is plenty of work for GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah to do. What makes his job especially difficult is that the Vikings won’t be selecting at the top of the draft as they plan to secure back-to-back NFC North titles.
The future is murky in Minnesota. Cousins’ play in 2023 will determine which route the team chooses to go down as they must find a way to maximize team success with superstar wide receiver Justin Jefferson entering the prime of his career.
Featured image via Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
