Vikings GM discusses the future of QB Kirk Cousins

Minnesota Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah spoke with reporters on Wednesday and confirmed he wants quarterback Kirk Cousins to remain with the organization through at least the start of the 2024 NFL season. 

"Yeah. I've been pretty consistent with that," Adofo-Mensah said about Cousins' future, per Jeff Wald of Fox 9. "Kirk the player is somebody that, as we saw what he does to this team, I thought we were playing really good football before he got injured. It's the most important position in sports. It ultimately always comes down to, can you find an agreement that works for both sides and all those things, but as a player, it's certainly my intention to have him back here."

Cousins is set to hit free agency in March and was the subject of some trade rumors this past fall after the Vikings got off to a 1-4 start. While the 35-year-old signal-caller then guided Minnesota to an improved record of 3-4, he suffered a season-ending torn Achilles on Oct. 29. 

Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell and Cousins have both previously indicated they would like to continue working together through next season. More recently, Cousins hinted that he could offer Minnesota at least something of a discount to stay with what's been his NFL home since 2018. 

"We’ll try to find a place in the middle and see where we end up," Adofo-Mensah said about discussions with Cousins. 

Because 2023 fifth-round draft pick Jaren Hall failed to cement himself as Cousins' full-time replacement across three appearances this season, Adofo-Mensah likely would have to look for an upgrade at quarterback in free agency or during the upcoming draft if he doesn't re-sign Cousins. The Vikings currently hold the rights to the No. 11 pick in the 2024 draft but theoretically could package that selection with other assets to move up and select one of the top quarterback prospects in this year's class.