Kirk Cousins has found his new team.
The former Washington Redskins quarterback will reportedly sign a three-year deal with the Minnesota Vikings. The deal will be fully guaranteed and worth $84 million. Regardless of specific amount, this will surpass Jimmy Garoppolo’s record-setting contract of $27.5 million per year.
How we got here
Cousins’ time testing the free agent market seemingly ended before it even started. Although teams cannot officially sign players until tomorrow (March 14), impending free agents can negotiate with potential suitors. It seems by all accounts that Cousins will sign with the Vikings, despite gathering interest from the New York Jets and Denver Broncos.
Cousins will join a Vikings team that boasts one of the NFL’s stingiest defenses, as well as a talented receiving corps and explosive second-year runner Dalvin Cook.
The Vikings were able to establish a deep playoff run in 2017. They also nearly missed an opportunity to be the first team to host their own Super Bowl appearance.
Despite their 13-3 record and solid play from Case Keenum, the Vikings’ front office felt that a change at quarterback was needed. Minnesota allowed all three of their quarterbacks to leave in free agency, freeing up room to sign Cousins.
What the Vikings are getting
In his three seasons as the Redskins’ full-time starting quarterback, Cousins established himself as a highly productive player. He has thrown for 4,000 yards in three straight seasons and has a 2:1 touchdown-to-interception ratio in that span. Cousins also has 11 game-winning drives in those three seasons, proving that he is clutch in the fourth quarter.
The Redskins allowed him to leave for greener pastures after trading for former Chiefs’ quarterback Alex Smith last month.
Cousins was widely viewed as the best player available during free agency, and it seems that the Vikings are willing to go all in on “Captain Kirk.”
Former Vikings quarterbacks
For those of you who are wondering about the whereabouts of the three former Vikings’ quarterbacks, here is a quick rundown.
Keenum has reportedly agreed to sign a short-term deal with the Denver Broncos. The details of the contract have not yet been released. Sam Bradford has agreed to a one-year, $20 million deal with the Arizona Cardinals. Teddy Bridgewater will also be signing a one-year deal, with the New York Jets.
Featured image by Patrick Smith/Getty Images
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