It has to be tempting for any potential starter in a quarterback-desperate league to try and test the market and take home what amounts to multiple bank heists in free agency. Should Kirk Cousins decide to test out free agency there is little doubt that there will be plenty of suitors willing to come in and make him their starting quarterback for the 2024 season and perhaps beyond. The big question is, is that the right move for Cousins beyond his bank account?
No one can blame a player for ultimately picking the team that offers them the most money of course, but at an age where Cousins is likely entering his twilight, his career reflection may be the most important thing for him moving forward. Cousins has plenty of years of production and has had seasons that saw him produce like a top ten quarterback in this league. Last season for Minnesota Cousins was well on his way to having his most productive season yet, and before being injured was a front runner in the MVP race with 18 passing touchdowns and 2,331 yards in just eight games.
#Vikings Kirk Cousins touchdown pass to Jordan Addison vs the #49ers pic.twitter.com/hjc3wcuHrO
— Tanner Phifer (@TannerPhiferNFL) October 24, 2023
Cousins is a clear and established leader within a locker room full of younger talent that includes two young superstar receivers in Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison. Cousins also has an excellent connection and feel with his offensive guru head coach Kevin O’Connell. These things are a bit understated when it comes to being an older quarterback in the league that is looking for success. Going to another team and attempting to spark those same connections within an entirely different culture isn’t easy.
Kirk Cousins finds Jordan Addison for the 62-yard Vikings touchdown!
Eagles now lead 27-14 early in the 3rd.pic.twitter.com/r1kyeAdPb4
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) September 15, 2023
With the Vikings set up to support a Cousins lead offense, and with Cousins coming off a career best hot start, it makes the most sense for both parties to find the reasonable number to allow him to stay home and cement himself as one of the two best quarterbacks in Minnesota Vikings history.
