Kirk Cousins will remain in Minnesota until at least 2023.
NFL Network’s Tom Pellisero reports that the Vikings are signing Cousins for a one-year, fully guaranteed $35 million extension that puts him under contract through 2023. Minnesota later announced that it had agreed in principle to an extension with the Cousins.
Cousins will receive a raise of up to $40 million in 2022 with a $55 million payment by next March and a no-trade clause, Pelissero added. The new deal also allows Minnesota to save approximately $14 million against the salary cap.
Although the Vikings have received commercial interest in Cousins in recent weeks, new coach Kevin O’Connell has been clear about his desire to work with the veteran passer, saying in mid-February that he is expecting Cousins ”Being a part of what we do. “
A three-time Pro Bowler, with two of those picks he earned during his four seasons with the Vikings, Cousins is coming off a season in which he threw 4,221 yards, 33 touchdowns and just seven interceptions. However, the Vikings went 8-9 last year and failed to make the postseason for the third time in four seasons with Cousins under center.
However, Cousins continues to break the bank. as Noted by BellisseroBetween two franchises during his time in Washington and three deals in Minnesota, Cousins earned fully guaranteed contracts for eight consecutive seasons. And if the Cousins-O’Connell mix leads to a big 2021 season, Cousins could return to work on another new deal around the same time next year.
