Analyst reveals why 'it makes sense' for Vikings to move on from Cousins

Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins. Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports

Analyst reveals why 'it makes sense' for Vikings to move on from Kirk Cousins

By Aaron Becker | Last updated 3/6/24

QB Kirk Cousins is set to hit the open market next week when free agency begins, and the Vikings know there will likely be a bidding war for the 12-year veteran.

However, Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk thinks there's a strong argument for Minnesota to let its quarterback walk and start fresh with another experienced but much cheaper option.

"Russell Wilson for $1.21 million is the number. If he's truly willing to do this, and I think he would be because he's making $39 million either way, stick the Broncos with the bulk of it," Florio said on "The Pat McAfee Show." "Wilson is younger than Cousins. Wilson isn't coming off a torn Achilles tendon, and for $1.21M versus $45M or whatever, it's not that hard to make the argument."

"I know that Kevin O'Connell wants Kirk Cousins but the question is do others in the organization feel the same way..

If Kirk does leave the number for Russell Wilson is $1.2M and you stick the Broncos with the rest of it" ~ @ProFootballTalk #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/6dewTEIyzR
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) March 5, 2024

Wilson is an intriguing option if the Vikings are unable to retain Cousins. Over the past two seasons, Wilson has thrown for 6,594 yards, 42 touchdowns and 19 interceptions.

Still, it is difficult to argue that Wilson, who was benched after going 11-19 as a starter in Denver, is the better option. Cousins has been one of the most accurate passers in the NFL during his six-year tenure in Minnesota.

The Vikings are, however, also preparing to give All-Pro wide receiver Justin Jefferson a likely market-resetting deal while holding just $37.1 million in cap space, per Over the Cap.

If there isn't enough money to go around, Minnesota may be forced to move on from the four-time Pro Bowler for the much cheaper option in Wilson. Florio says the Vikings must do one thing to make that happen.

"He's going to need to know, wherever he goes, he's the guy. He's not competing with Kenny Pickett in Pittsburgh. He's not risking getting benched because it's only $1.21 million," Florio added. "If the Vikings make that commitment to him ... I think that that makes a lot of sense."

Committing to Wilson next season wouldn't prevent Minnesota from selecting a quarterback in the 2024 NFL Draft. The rookie could then learn under Wilson for a year before potentially taking over as the starter.

It will be difficult for fans to see Cousins play elsewhere, but Florio is right that it could be what's best for the future of the Vikings.

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