Vikings GM Delivers Statement on Kirk Cousins’ Future: ‘Most Important Position’
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins will hit free agency this offseason, a topic General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah addressed during his end-of-season media availability.
Adofo Mensah was questioned directly while seated next to head coach Kevin O’Connell if he intended to bring Cousins back for the upcoming campaign. Adofo-Mensah provided a clear response.
Adofo-Mensah stated via the team on January 10 that “I’ve said that [he wanted Cousins back]”. “I’ve done that rather consistently. We have witnessed Kirk, the player, in action when it comes to this squad. The most important position in sports is football, and I thought we were playing extremely terrific football before he got hurt.
“I definitely intend to have him return here.”
Adofo-Mensah acknowledged that a new agreement would need to make sense for both parties, as it always does. According to Spotrac, his Vikings will have about $39 million in cap space.
Estimates for Cousins’ next contract have varied from $35 to $40 million, which may further tax the Vikings’ financial reserves. Some, like former Viking star Jared Allen, would prefer they move on from Cousins since they have several needs elsewhere.
Cousins, though, isn’t trying to go broke.
During his end-of-season availability, Cousins stated, “God has blessed me financially beyond my wildest dreams, so at this stage of my career, the dollars are really not what it’s about.” “I believe that winning football games is what matters most in the end, and that will be the most crucial factor.”
Vikings Urged to Draft J.J. McCarthy or Michael Penix Jr..
But Allen is not alone in thinking that the Vikings should put Cousins behind them and look to the future.
In a Star Tribune article published on January 9, LaVelle E. Neal stated, “It is time for the Vikings to reset the quarterback situation and move on from No. 8. The Vikings aren’t prepared to win with him, for that reason.
“Make the deal with Cousins invalid in March. Make the most of a strong quarterback class by selecting one, signing him to a rookie deal, and then focusing on developing a stronger roster elsewhere.
Neal suggests addressing the quarterback after locking up Danielle Hunter and Justin Jefferson.
“I feel the future Vikings quarterback played for the college football championship on Monday,” Neal wrote. “Washington’s Michael Penix Jr. has thunder in his left arm and can ad-lib … Michigan’s J.J. McCarthy doesn’t have gaudy numbers but has a strong arm, is mobile, processes well and makes good decisions.”
The Vikings were 4-4 under Cousins this season, winning four of his last five starts. But they have just three winning seasons in his tenure, and they have just two postseason appearances to show for it.
Adofo-Mensah noted myriad factors that will play into the decision. Even if they bring Cousins back, though, this season showed they need a better backup plan.
Vikings GM Addresses Kirk Cousins’ Impact on Draft Plans.
Reporters asked Adofo-Mensah about the impact Cousins would have on the Vikings’ draft plans, particularly when it comes to taking a quarterback.
Keeping Cousins won’t preclude them from drafting his successor.
“I think ultimately it’s the most important position in our sport,” Adofo-Mensah said. “You want to be thinking long-term and short-term and, ultimately, the Vikings are going to pursue actions that help us in both windows.”
Adofo-Mensah was clear that stance applied to every position and regardless of the Vikings’ draft slot. It is especially notable considering the incoming class and the Vikings’ situation.
