The future of Minnesota Vikings’ quarterback Kirk Cousins is up in the air. He is entering the last season of his current contract and could be on the move in the offseason. There are reportedly already teams planning to make a run at him should the Vikings opt not to retain him.
It would be a bit shocking if the Vikings didn’t try and at least keep Kirk Cousins around. There isn’t currently a contingency plan on the roster unless the team is convinced fifth-round pick Jaren Hall is the answer.
Allowing productive quarterbacks to just leave in free agency isn’t commonplace in the NFL, either. But, should the Vikings actually opt to move on from Kirk Cousins, he would have no issues finding work.
Plenty of teams around the NFL would see him as an upgrade from their current quarterback situations. One team that would certainly check in on his availability is the first franchise he knew, the Washington Commanders.
There likely aren’t many people who are sold on Sam Howell being the long-term answer at quarterback in Washington. He will have the 2023 season to prove himself, but given how strong the rest of the roster is, it is a major risk to stick with Howell for too long. This is a team with an established quarterback that would make noise in the NFC.
Another team to keep an eye on is the New England Patriots. If they struggle in 2023, there could be some major changes on the horizon. Head coach Bill Belichick is reportedly on the hot seat and will be fired if the Patriots miss the playoffs again.
He wouldn’t be the only change made as quarterback Mac Jones would likely be on the move as well. It is fair to assume if the Patriots miss the postseason that he struggled during the regular season as well. Kirk Cousins would be a big upgrade on the Alabama product.
Last but not least, the Las Vegas Raiders are a team that could jump into the Kirk Cousins sweepstakes. There are some analysts that believe Jimmy Garoppolo will be one-and-done in Sin City.
With no guaranteed money on his deal after 2024, the Raiders could still save $12 million by moving on from Garoppolo after the 2023 season. Unless he helps deliver a playoff appearance, it would not be a surprise to see the franchise move on from him and head coach Josh McDaniels.
