Quarterback Kirk Cousins joined the Minnesota Vikings in 2018 when he signed a three-year, fully-guaranteed contract worth $84 million.
It was the highest-paying contract during that time, and Cousins also became the first player to have a fully-guaranteed deal.
Since then, the former Michigan State standout has been solid with three seasons of at least 4,000 passing yards.
Last season, Cousins had 33 touchdowns and only seven interceptions
But even with solid numbers, he couldn’t bring the team over the hump to reach the NFL playoffs.
With a new regime led by head coach Kevin O’Connell, the Vikings decided to have him back.
However, the terms of his contract might not fulfill his need, as shared by The Athletic’s Vikings writer Chad Graff.
Kirk Cousins said he “would like to retire as a Viking” but added that he recognizes he has to “earn that” by playing well.
— Chad Graff (@ChadGraff) April 11, 2022
Graff said, “Kirk Cousins said he ‘would like to retire as a Viking’ but added that he recognizes he has to ‘earn that’ by playing well.
It’s great that the veteran quarterback is in the proper mindset to fulfill his desire to retire in Minnesota.
But for that to happen, he must make the most of the 2022 season.
Cousins Is On A Rental Contract
The ten-season veteran just signed an extension that keeps him under contract through the 2023 season.
There’s no certainty regarding a long-term stay at this point.
Therefore, Cousins must make the most of this audition to get a long-term contract from the Vikings.
He hopes that O’Connell’s offensive system will unlock his capabilities more as he looks for Adam Thielen and Justin Jefferson downfield.
At 33 years old, Cousins has some good years left in him.
But now is the time to show that he’s worthy of another multi-year deal before he calls it quits.
NEXT: Are The Vikings Playoff Material In 2022?