Thielen on roster adjustments

The only person who truely knows what Kirk is willing to do is Kirk.  So what did he say about a restructure?

Left up to Cousins, though, he doesn’t want to leave at all. After beating the Bears, Cousins told reporters:
“It’s hard to have these conversations when I haven’t given it any thought and don’t know any of those numbers. But I know that I want to be a Viking, and that’s kind of the foundation of it all. From there, it’s pretty easy to make those conversations happen when you want to be a Minnesota Viking.”

@"Geoff Nichols" said:

@"Vikergirl" said: https://twitter.com/Schultz_Report/status/1494731273214046209?t=lst4t_3nqaOjTaGh09WGag&s=19

This is a very short-sighted way to look at the situation. Just remember that pay-cut doesn't equal not wanting to do something with his contract that'd benefit the team against the cap. 

@"Hawkvike25" said:

 I dont have an interest in paying him something that starts with a 4 and it seems as if that's his floor

@"rf54" said:

@"Hawkvike25" said:

 I dont have an interest in paying him something that starts with a 4 and it seems as if that's his floor

Kirk never said that, that is speculation. Cousins told reporters:“It’s hard to have these conversations when I haven’t given it any thought and don’t know any of those numbers. But I know that I want to be a Viking, and that’s kind of the foundation of it all. From there, it’s pretty easy to make those conversations happen when you want to be a Minnesota Viking.”

People need to understand negotiations have already started even if they haven’t talked yet. Kwesi and KOC made it clear he is their guy and said they’re already making plans on that. In my opinion, they want something long term, a solution to move forward with the offense built around him. Cousins essentially kicked negotiations off when he commented in Chicago. He wants to stay, but he’s also a shrewd businessman. He knows there are ways that get it done for both parties.
What people don’t understand is his number probably is $40 million a year. That doesn’t mean his cap number represents that. The biggest part of the contract is always the signing bonus. 
There will be little issue paying $40 million a year average and having a decent cap number. There are a number of ways to do this. It’s shouldn’t be an issue moving his first year cap number to $25 to $30 million. Next years $30 to $35 and so on. The cap will rise each year so his percentage of salary usage for the team will remain fairly stable. 
The best route, in my opinion, is a 4 to 5 year contract with ways out after 3. 

@"Hawkvike25" said:

@"HappyViking" said:

@"StickyBun" said:

@"Hawkvike25" said:

@"StickyBun" said:

@"Wetlander" said:

@"Hawkvike25" said:

@"StickyBun" said: He's right. He'll be 32 years old before the start of next season. Still has gas in the tank for sure. He needs to reduce his cap number. 

Yes he does. Some insiders are now saying Kirk wont lower his cap hit to under $40MM per year so that'll make trying to get under the cap a little more interesting...

Yep, I still chuckle when some started believing that Merc Kirk was hinting at a team friendlier deal earlier this off-season.  

Yep, why in the hell would Cousins give up one dime? If they had won a Superbowl, maybe. But even then. Home town discount for what? He's the QB and he's playing well. He's not the problem. I wouldn't change one word of my contract if I was Cousins. Choke on the catalytic converter fumes from my 1990 Chevy Conversion Van bitches!

I know he doesn't care but he's obviously not worth $45MM per year. $35MM per year is about accurate. If this is true then it's time to really start shopping him

Blame the Vikings. If I'm Cousins, its trade me or pay me. I know he may not be worth it, but the only 'worth' is in what is being paid, y'know?

If I'm Cousins, I'm thinking I'm never going to run out of money for the rest of my life, and most likely carrying over for generations to come.  I would be wanting to lead a SB team instead of milking as much money from the owners as possible.  Tom Brady chose to take less so he could surround himself with other great players.  That's just me though (and Brady I guess).

He must be really concerned about inflation....

Saw 40m discussed for Derek Carr’s new deal, guess that’s where  the market has gotten to, unreal…

@"Wetlander" said:

@"Hawkvike25" said:

@"StickyBun" said: He's right. He'll be 32 years old before the start of next season. Still has gas in the tank for sure. He needs to reduce his cap number. 

Yes he does. Some insiders are now saying Kirk wont lower his cap hit to under $40MM per year so that'll make trying to get under the cap a little more interesting...

Yep, I still chuckle when some started believing that Merc Kirk was hinting at a team friendlier deal earlier this off-season.  

@"HappyViking" said:

@"StickyBun" said:

@"Hawkvike25" said:

@"StickyBun" said:

@"Wetlander" said:

@"Hawkvike25" said:

@"StickyBun" said: He's right. He'll be 32 years old before the start of next season. Still has gas in the tank for sure. He needs to reduce his cap number. 

Yes he does. Some insiders are now saying Kirk wont lower his cap hit to under $40MM per year so that'll make trying to get under the cap a little more interesting...

Yep, I still chuckle when some started believing that Merc Kirk was hinting at a team friendlier deal earlier this off-season.  

Yep, why in the hell would Cousins give up one dime? If they had won a Superbowl, maybe. But even then. Home town discount for what? He's the QB and he's playing well. He's not the problem. I wouldn't change one word of my contract if I was Cousins. Choke on the catalytic converter fumes from my 1990 Chevy Conversion Van bitches!

I know he doesn't care but he's obviously not worth $45MM per year. $35MM per year is about accurate. If this is true then it's time to really start shopping him

Blame the Vikings. If I'm Cousins, its trade me or pay me. I know he may not be worth it, but the only 'worth' is in what is being paid, y'know?

If I'm Cousins, I'm thinking I'm never going to run out of money for the rest of my life, and most likely carrying over for generations to come.  I would be wanting to lead a SB team instead of milking as much money from the owners as possible.  Tom Brady chose to take less so he could surround himself with other great players.  That's just me though (and Brady I guess).

This isnt rocket science...There are ways to make a team friendlier deal for KC. 

IF Carr is signing for 40, that does set the market pretty much. 

Rogers probably gets re-signed in GB for $45 would be my guess

What do you want? Burrows @ $9mm ala Bengals?   :p

https://www.spotrac.com/nfl/contracts/quarterback/

@"MaroonBells" said:

@"Wetlander" said:

@"Hawkvike25" said:

@"StickyBun" said: He's right. He'll be 32 years old before the start of next season. Still has gas in the tank for sure. He needs to reduce his cap number. 

Yes he does. Some insiders are now saying Kirk wont lower his cap hit to under $40MM per year so that'll make trying to get under the cap a little more interesting...

Yep, I still chuckle when some started believing that Merc Kirk was hinting at a team friendlier deal earlier this off-season.  

He was? I don't remember that. Still, the so-called "team-friendly" deal is largely a myth. As far as I know, there has only been one QB in history who did that and it was Tom Brady...when he was like 38. Maybe there are others, I just don't know. What I DO know is that Cousins is way too good and way too young to be taking pay cuts. But as Geoff points out above, you could actually increase his salary (and his security) and still significantly reduce his cap number for '22. 

@"VikingOracle" said:

@"MaroonBells" said:

@"Wetlander" said:

@"Hawkvike25" said:

@"StickyBun" said: He's right. He'll be 32 years old before the start of next season. Still has gas in the tank for sure. He needs to reduce his cap number. 

Yes he does. Some insiders are now saying Kirk wont lower his cap hit to under $40MM per year so that'll make trying to get under the cap a little more interesting...

Yep, I still chuckle when some started believing that Merc Kirk was hinting at a team friendlier deal earlier this off-season.  

He was? I don't remember that. Still, the so-called "team-friendly" deal is largely a myth. As far as I know, there has only been one QB in history who did that and it was Tom Brady...when he was like 38. Maybe there are others, I just don't know. What I DO know is that Cousins is way too good and way too young to be taking pay cuts. But as Geoff points out above, you could actually increase his salary (and his security) and still significantly reduce his cap number for '22. 

Sorry but Tom Brady had a team-friendly contract nearly his entire career.  In fact, in only the last three seasons did Brady pocket over 20 million a year and he never pocketed over 30 million.  https://www.spotrac.com/nfl/tampa-bay-buccaneers/tom-brady-4619/cash-earnings/. 

interesting calculator..
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d5vnQn-R4XQ

Kirk is probably worth $40M… to a team who’s ready to win-now with lots of talent on rookie deals, so they can afford Kirk. 

That’s not us.

If the Vikings can somehow get a high round pick then trade him and move on, otherwise let him play out the year and take a comp pick in the offseason. Neither option is good but both options are better than void years or repeating history with a higher number like $50M+ due to Kirk in 3 years. Mortgaging future cap is something you do for Drew Brees or Aaron Rodgers and only if your team is ready right now to win a championship. Kirk is not on that level and neither are the Vikings.

I have lots of hope for the new regime but barring consecutive historic draft classes I just don’t know how they can overhaul the roster AND pay Kirk top dollar AND avoid mortgaging the future.

@"MaroonBells" said:

@"Wetlander" said:

@"Hawkvike25" said:

@"StickyBun" said: He's right. He'll be 32 years old before the start of next season. Still has gas in the tank for sure. He needs to reduce his cap number. 

Yes he does. Some insiders are now saying Kirk wont lower his cap hit to under $40MM per year so that'll make trying to get under the cap a little more interesting...

Yep, I still chuckle when some started believing that Merc Kirk was hinting at a team friendlier deal earlier this off-season.  

He was? I don't remember that. Still, the so-called "team-friendly" deal is largely a myth. As far as I know, there has only been one QB in history who did that and it was Tom Brady...when he was like 38. Maybe there are others, I just don't know. What I DO know is that Cousins is way too good and way too young to be taking pay cuts. But as Geoff points out above, you could actually increase his salary (and his security) and still significantly reduce his cap number for '22. 

@"Hawkvike25" said:

@"Geoff Nichols" said:

@"Vikergirl" said: https://twitter.com/Schultz_Report/status/1494731273214046209?t=lst4t_3nqaOjTaGh09WGag&s=19

This is a very short-sighted way to look at the situation. Just remember that pay-cut doesn't equal not wanting to do something with his contract that'd benefit the team against the cap. 

Sure, but what would you recommend? 3 or 4 year extension at how much per year? I dont have an interest in paying him something that starts with a 4 and it seems as if that's his floor

@"StickyBun" said:

@"Hawkvike25" said:

@"StickyBun" said:

@"Wetlander" said:

@"Hawkvike25" said:

@"StickyBun" said: He's right. He'll be 32 years old before the start of next season. Still has gas in the tank for sure. He needs to reduce his cap number. 

Yes he does. Some insiders are now saying Kirk wont lower his cap hit to under $40MM per year so that'll make trying to get under the cap a little more interesting...

Yep, I still chuckle when some started believing that Merc Kirk was hinting at a team friendlier deal earlier this off-season.  

Yep, why in the hell would Cousins give up one dime? If they had won a Superbowl, maybe. But even then. Home town discount for what? He's the QB and he's playing well. He's not the problem. I wouldn't change one word of my contract if I was Cousins. Choke on the catalytic converter fumes from my 1990 Chevy Conversion Van bitches!

I know he doesn't care but he's obviously not worth $45MM per year. $35MM per year is about accurate. If this is true then it's time to really start shopping him

Blame the Vikings. If I'm Cousins, its trade me or pay me. I know he may not be worth it, but the only 'worth' is in what is being paid, y'know?

I could see the Vikes adding a couple of non-guaranteed years to the contract with next year's (2023-24) salary being huge and will become guaranteed on the 3rd day of the year league.  That will force the Vikes to cut Cousins but allow the Vikes to lower the cap hit this year.  It will have two bad results -- dead money for a couple of years and a lost compensation pick (because the Vikes cut Cousins) but will lower the cap hit this year (depending upon how much of this years salary is converted to a signing bonus). 

@"AGRforever" said:

@"StickyBun" said:

@"Hawkvike25" said:

@"StickyBun" said:

@"Wetlander" said:

@"Hawkvike25" said:

@"StickyBun" said: He's right. He'll be 32 years old before the start of next season. Still has gas in the tank for sure. He needs to reduce his cap number. 

Yes he does. Some insiders are now saying Kirk wont lower his cap hit to under $40MM per year so that'll make trying to get under the cap a little more interesting...

Yep, I still chuckle when some started believing that Merc Kirk was hinting at a team friendlier deal earlier this off-season.  

Yep, why in the hell would Cousins give up one dime? If they had won a Superbowl, maybe. But even then. Home town discount for what? He's the QB and he's playing well. He's not the problem. I wouldn't change one word of my contract if I was Cousins. Choke on the catalytic converter fumes from my 1990 Chevy Conversion Van bitches!

I know he doesn't care but he's obviously not worth $45MM per year. $35MM per year is about accurate. If this is true then it's time to really start shopping him

Blame the Vikings. If I'm Cousins, its trade me or pay me. I know he may not be worth it, but the only 'worth' is in what is being paid, y'know?

Its been said in this thread but when if enough money enough money?  If I’m Kirk, I want to last long enough to spend that money. 

If he was going to get better OL play for pay restructure he’d be a fool to not consider it. 

"Judged" is a funny word.  The fact that we are discussing his contract and motivations shows we are judging him -- for better or worse.  If he takes every cent he can, SB is judging him as making a reasonable, professional decision and that does not make him a "bad guy" (personally, I don't think anyone would judge KC as a bad guy).  Others, like myself, think as some point people like KC should look towards his legacy.  I think there is value in legacy.  I think for most of us there are a lot of factors that go into making a job decision -- there is a risk assessment, location, culture, money, security, etc.  The judgement comes in when someone makes a decision and we can assess or judge what that person values in choosing a particular job. 

The way I think about it is related to working in LA -- Netflix offers the most money but a very different culture; Amazon offers the most upside in stock but a lower base salary; Disney offers an old fashion, risk-adverse culture; Viacom a more family oriented culture; Fox (what remains) offers a very different work culture (not risk-adverse) culture and high pay. 

What I am saying is where you choose to work reflects a choice you have made and, to a certain extent, you are judged by all your decisions.  For instance, assume you have lived in Minn. your entire life and your family lives in Minn. and you suddenly take a job in Detroit -- wouldn't you be judged, good or bad, for moving away to Detroit?

 So, whatever Cousins decides will be subject to a judgement by us -- just like what the Vikings decide to do with Cousins will be judged by us.