The Denver Broncos just released Russell Wilson, so they are obviously in need of a new quarterback. Could it be Kirk Cousins?
Tom Pelissero of NFL media named the Broncos a fit for Cousins, who has been unable to reach an agreement with the Minnesota Vikings ahead of free agency.
You would think Denver would not want to go down this road again after what it just experienced with Wilson unless Sean Payton feels that Cousins would be a better fit.
The Broncos own the 12th overall pick in this year’s NFL Draft, so they won’t be able to take one of the top quarterback prospects unless they trade up, which is a possibility.
Of course, Denver can always trade down and take one of the second-tier signal-callers like Michael Penix Jr. and Bo Nix. In that case, it would make sense for the Broncos to sign a veteran for some competition and mentorship, but would an expensive commodity like Cousins be the answer?
Perhaps this is merely just Denver exploring every potential avenue, but after what it just went through with Wilson and the massive contract it handed him, bringing in Cousins wouldn’t make a ton of sense.
After Baker Mayfield just landed a three-year, $115 million deal, Cousins will almost certainly ask for a contract matching or exceeding Mayfield’s in terms of annual value. It also seems hard to imagine that Cousins would sign a one-year deal.
The 35-year-old was limited to just eight games this past season as a result of tearing his Achilles. Before going down with the injury, Cousins was brilliant, having thrown for 2,331 yards, 18 touchdowns and five interceptions. However, he will be 36 at the start of next year, and he is coming off of one of the worst injuries an athlete can possibly endure.
So, as good as Cousins has been, there are legitimate questions about his future, and the Broncos cannot afford to waste any more time—or money—on an aging quarterback who is declining.
Perhaps Cousins will look great in 2024. But does Denver really want to be the team to take that risk?
We’ll see what happens in the coming days and weeks.
Want the latest NFL analysis, breaking news, and insider information? Click here. Interested in reading storylines and analysis about the NBA? Check out our partner NBA Analysis Network.
