This cap hit is a whopping 15% of the total cap. The good thing, though, is that the Vikings are not in nearly as dire a situation as they have been in previous years, mostly because Kwesi spent most of the 2022 offseason figuring out a way to balance the cap.
Some might still be freaking out about the negative cap room the Vikings have in 2023. However, this is -$24 million is not nearly as scary as it seems, as I have discussed before. Especially since in 2024, the Vikings are projected to have $98 million to spend in free agency. Yes, that is a positive number for the first time in several years.
That said, the Vikings will still need to decide whether or not to do anything with Kirk’s contract. Do they really want 15% of the cap dedicated to an above-average, not elite, quarterback?
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Kirk Cousins
I can understand the decision they make either way. After all, Kirk was the quarterback that led the team to be top 10 in points and yards in 2022. Could another year in KOC’s system push him to a higher level? Or is a QB on a rookie contract feel too tempting for Kwesi to pass up?
The 2023 Kirk Cousins Decision Will Potentially Dictate the Draft
Jan 15, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) prepares for the snap from center Garrett Bradbury (56) against the New York Giants during the second quarter of a wild card game at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports.
Regardless of your opinion of Cousins, he will be the Vikings’ quarterback in 2023. There is still a no-trade clause attached to his contract, and he has made it abundantly clear that he wants to stay in Minnesota.
Therefore, the only way the no-trade clause will vanish is if it comes as a fully guaranteed extension. However, you are betting that a needy team wants him at some point in the future. Otherwise, you are stuck with him through the remainder of the guaranteed contract.
So, if your idea is to trade Cousins away, think again. It is not going to happen.
There are really only two options on the table here.
- Play out the contract as is, or
- Offer an extension
Both of these options are acceptable. Playing out the contract tells us that the Vikings like the quarterback class in the 2023 draft and plan to make a run at one of them. If they did, it would likely be a day 2 pick like Anthony Richardson or Hendon Hooker. Both of these guys need some time to develop, and a year behind Cousins would give them exactly that.
Dec 30, 2022; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Hendon Hooker (5) looks on before the 2022 Orange Bowl against the Clemson Tigers at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Storry-USA TODAY Sports
On the other hand, offering a one-year or multi-year — I am not a fan of multiple years — extension tells us a different story. It means that KOC and KAM believe that another couple of years with Cousins at quarter gives them the best chance at winning a championship.
The extension option would also provide more money to be used during free agency this year — a win considering the desperate need for the defense.
Although, it is important to note that even if they agree to an extension, it doesn’t mean they won’t draft a quarterback. After all, Cousins is in his mid-30s and will need to be replaced at some point. Either one of the quarterbacks noted above could benefit from multiple years of development at the NFL level.
Jan 1, 2023; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) looks to throw a pass during the first quarter against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports.
If the decision were up to me, I would not extend Kirk Cousins. Instead, I would pursue one Richardson or Hooker, let them develop, and then utilize the remaining years of their rookie contract to build a super bowl contender.
What will Kwesi and KOC decide to do? Time will tell. However, their decision will dictate the course of the Minnesota Vikings franchise for multiple years to come.