But all that positivity from his naysayers was erased the moment the Vikings didn’t convert a 4th and 8 play in the playoffs with the game on the line. The Vikings lost to the New York Giants at home in the playoffs, and that was a wrap on a once-promising season.
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Thereafter, the “what to do with Cousins?” debate ignited, an annual offseason tradition orchestrated by Vikings fans. Cousins has a no-trade clause in his contract and is committed to the team, on paper, through the end of 2023.
Vikings Fans Have a Majority Opinion about Kirk Cousins for 2023
Theoretically, the Vikings could trade the 34-year-old to a QB-needy team like the New York Jets, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, or possibly New England Patriots (if they aren’t married to Mac Jones long-term) if Cousins signed off on the deal.
Nov 24, 2022; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) in action during the game against the New England Patriots at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports.
These are the realistic options for Cousins and the Vikings in 2023:
- Leave the contract as-is. It expires at the end of next season.
- Extend Cousins by a year or two.
- Finagle the aforementioned trade.
Well, fans have spoken, as we polled the Vikings community last week — and 60.1% want Cousins to be extended by at least one year.
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The poll was unscientific and surveyed 2,909 people.
Jan 8, 2023; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) reacts after being short of yardage against Chicago Bears during the first half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports.
Slightly less than one-third of respondents prefer Cousins play out his deal in 2023, with the team evaluating him at this time next year. No strings would be attached. Cousins would hit open free agency for the second time in his career.
Conversely, one-tenth is ready to be done, trading Cousins to seemingly whoever will take him. Minnesota has five years of sample size, and Cousins has delivered one playoff win.
Dec 24, 2022; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) looks to pass against the New York Giants during the second quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports.
Twitter user @Vikingshorn_ commented, “It will be a multi year extension. Doesn’t make sense for KOC and the offense to start over after only two years. The third year is when it should really take off and Kirk will have two years of one offense and the same coach calling it under his belt.”
“Pending a trade offer that you cannot refuse, you let him earn his next contract. Guys seem to play a little better when they are playing for that next contract. Plus it allows kwesi and koc 1 more year to decide if they wish to continue with kirk or go in another direction,” Owen Miller replied to the poll.
Jonas Stärk opined, “I think depending on the terms, I’m okay with everything except a multi-year extension.”
“I like him and I think he’s been great. That being said, ride the year out and let him walk. We’ve had enough years to try and get it done with him at the helm and we’ve failed (as a team, not him). Who knows, maybe he comes back next year anyway,” Twitter user fenrir2888 opined.
Minnesota Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah in his first year on the job at the 2022 NFL Combine in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Various Vikings leaders, from Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, Kevin O’Connell, to Brian Flores, have already preached “championship standard” stakes in 2023, so to effectuate a Super Bowl push, Cousins may be the best option available. That would also imply Cousins is on deck for an extension.
Vikings brass should decide on Cousins’ contract by mid-March.