MINNEAPOLIS, MN – Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins has expressed his desire to return to the team for the 2024 season on a new contract. Despite his torn right Achilles tendon, which raised doubts about his future with the Vikings, Cousins remains determined to stay with the team.
Vikings General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and coach Kevin O’Connell have also voiced their support for Cousins’ return. Right tackle Brian O’Neill, one of Cousins’ teammates, passionately endorsed the quarterback, stating that he would rather have nobody else leading the team.
Contract negotiations between the Vikings and Cousins will take place during the offseason. The outcome of these discussions will greatly influence the direction of the team under Adofo-Mensah and O’Connell. Cousins, during a press conference on Monday, acknowledged the possibility of the Vikings drafting his successor while still signing him.
Cousins expressed his willingness to consider a more affordable deal that would provide the team with salary cap space to address other positions. He emphasized that structure is more important to him at this stage of his career than financial gain.
However, it is unlikely that bringing Cousins back will come cheap for the Vikings. Despite his injury, Cousins ranked among the top quarterbacks in the league in various passing categories. His recovery is progressing well, and he does not believe it will affect his performance as a pocket passer.
Cousins sought a long-term deal from the Vikings before the 2022 and 2023 seasons but was only given short-term extensions. The team’s hesitation is mainly due to the guarantee structure of the contract. While Cousins’ camp wanted guarantees through 2025, the Vikings were only willing to offer guarantees through 2024.
As Cousins approaches free agency for the second time in his career, he continues to receive support from his teammates, including O’Neill and wide receiver Justin Jefferson. The Vikings’ plans for their quarterback position will be strongly influenced by their efforts to secure a deal with Cousins.
In summary, Kirk Cousins is determined to come back to the Minnesota Vikings for the 2024 season. Despite his injury, the quarterback’s strong performance and support from his teammates make him an integral part of the team’s plans. The Vikings will need to carefully consider their options and negotiate a contract that works for both parties.