The Minnesota Vikings opted not to retain Kirk Cousins due to cost concerns, but his subsequent hefty contract with the Atlanta Falcons raises questions about its value. While Cousins’ statistical performance has been solid, his playoff record and performance in high-pressure situations are less impressive. Many analysts, including Gary Davenport of Bleacher Report, view Cousins’ deal with the Falcons as one of the riskiest in free agency, questioning whether his contribution justifies the substantial financial investment made by Atlanta.
Kirk Cousins Probably Wouldn’t Have Made Vikings Super Bowl Contenders in 2024
Vikings Making Big Bet on Unknown QB in Draft by Letting Kirk Cousins Walk
Minnesota made the decision not to pursue other top free-agent quarterbacks like Baker Mayfield and opted against trading for Justin Fields. Instead, they signed Sam Darnold to a one-year deal and are now focusing on the upcoming draft to find their franchise quarterback.
While this draft class offers several promising quarterbacks, the Vikings’ pick at No. 11 doesn’t guarantee access to the top prospects. To improve their chances, they acquired the No. 23 pick from the Houston Texans, intending to bundle it with their own to move up in the draft. However, this strategy comes with risks, including the need to potentially part with future first-round picks.
This approach leaves the Vikings in a precarious position for the 2024 season, possibly wasting valuable time in star receiver Justin Jefferson’s prime. General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah’s decision to let Kirk Cousins go shows boldness, but the success of their draft strategy remains uncertain, marking a pivotal and risky moment for the team.
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