NFL insider drops bombshell report on Vikings’ Kirk Cousins

@"CFIAvike" said:

@"Skodin" said:

@"Geoff Nichols" said:

@"purplefaithful" said:

@"Geoff Nichols" said: I imagine the 1-yr contract point is an inference from the breakdown in their prior conversation last off-season where the Vikings wouldn't offer or guarantee any money past the 2024 season. The Vikings had offered to tack 2 years on Kirk's existing deal with 2023 (last season) and 2024 being guaranteed. Then the Vikings would have flexibility in 2025. Since it was only a single new year in guaranteed money Kirk didn't really engage in that. 

The Kirk extension talks are very interesting since there are two colliding forces. Kirk will need more than a single year on a new deal and guarantees (likely full) into 2025. The Vikings on the other hand have very intentionally earmarked 2025 as the start of their new competitive window. They have complete flexibility. Hockenson, Addison, and Cine are the only 3 players on the entire roster with guaranteed money in 2025 which is kind of crazy.

Kirk played well, but is that enough to get the Viking to move off what they've setup in 2025? 

What does "the start of their new competitive window" mean?

Whether a rookie QB or Kirk, 2025 is financial freedom to basically mold the roster as you wish with no compromise. One path could be to re-sign all of Kirk, Hunter, Darrisaw and JJ. Another could be to add a rookie QB and add a number of high-end free agents. 

Taking this a different direction, the Vikings have set themselves up to successfully trade away considerable draft capital for a rookie QB if they choose to. They can make it up by supplementing the roster with very high-end free agents. 

Give me Penix with a good/very good OL and these weapons + a defense that blitzes half the amount of the time and can still generate pressure.
Campbell+Wilkins+Phillips (Roy, Day, Jones) with Hunter+Davenport+Carter can be a strong front 5

Man what is it about Penix that has this anti-Kirk crowd so fired up. I think he’s got bust written all over him. Of the much lower second tier of QBs,  i think he’s the worst of the lot. 

I mean if they go into the year with Penix at QB, they’ll be in a position for a top 2 pick to draft another QB the next year with another wasted top pick under their belts

@"FLVike" said:

@"CFIAvike" said:

@"Skodin" said:

@"Geoff Nichols" said:

@"purplefaithful" said:

@"Geoff Nichols" said: I imagine the 1-yr contract point is an inference from the breakdown in their prior conversation last off-season where the Vikings wouldn't offer or guarantee any money past the 2024 season. The Vikings had offered to tack 2 years on Kirk's existing deal with 2023 (last season) and 2024 being guaranteed. Then the Vikings would have flexibility in 2025. Since it was only a single new year in guaranteed money Kirk didn't really engage in that. 

The Kirk extension talks are very interesting since there are two colliding forces. Kirk will need more than a single year on a new deal and guarantees (likely full) into 2025. The Vikings on the other hand have very intentionally earmarked 2025 as the start of their new competitive window. They have complete flexibility. Hockenson, Addison, and Cine are the only 3 players on the entire roster with guaranteed money in 2025 which is kind of crazy.

Kirk played well, but is that enough to get the Viking to move off what they've setup in 2025? 

What does "the start of their new competitive window" mean?

Whether a rookie QB or Kirk, 2025 is financial freedom to basically mold the roster as you wish with no compromise. One path could be to re-sign all of Kirk, Hunter, Darrisaw and JJ. Another could be to add a rookie QB and add a number of high-end free agents. 

Taking this a different direction, the Vikings have set themselves up to successfully trade away considerable draft capital for a rookie QB if they choose to. They can make it up by supplementing the roster with very high-end free agents. 

Give me Penix with a good/very good OL and these weapons + a defense that blitzes half the amount of the time and can still generate pressure.
Campbell+Wilkins+Phillips (Roy, Day, Jones) with Hunter+Davenport+Carter can be a strong front 5

Man what is it about Penix that has this anti-Kirk crowd so fired up. I think he’s got bust written all over him. Of the much lower second tier of QBs,  i think he’s the worst of the lot. 

I mean if they go into the year with Penix at QB, they’ll be in a position for a top 2 pick to draft another QB the next year with another wasted top pick under their belts

I wonder what you thought about the Texans believing that Stroud could start as a rookie?

@"CFIAvike" said:

@"FLVike" said:

@"CFIAvike" said:

@"Skodin" said:

@"Geoff Nichols" said:

@"purplefaithful" said:

@"Geoff Nichols" said: I imagine the 1-yr contract point is an inference from the breakdown in their prior conversation last off-season where the Vikings wouldn't offer or guarantee any money past the 2024 season. The Vikings had offered to tack 2 years on Kirk's existing deal with 2023 (last season) and 2024 being guaranteed. Then the Vikings would have flexibility in 2025. Since it was only a single new year in guaranteed money Kirk didn't really engage in that. 

The Kirk extension talks are very interesting since there are two colliding forces. Kirk will need more than a single year on a new deal and guarantees (likely full) into 2025. The Vikings on the other hand have very intentionally earmarked 2025 as the start of their new competitive window. They have complete flexibility. Hockenson, Addison, and Cine are the only 3 players on the entire roster with guaranteed money in 2025 which is kind of crazy.

Kirk played well, but is that enough to get the Viking to move off what they've setup in 2025? 

What does "the start of their new competitive window" mean?

Whether a rookie QB or Kirk, 2025 is financial freedom to basically mold the roster as you wish with no compromise. One path could be to re-sign all of Kirk, Hunter, Darrisaw and JJ. Another could be to add a rookie QB and add a number of high-end free agents. 

Taking this a different direction, the Vikings have set themselves up to successfully trade away considerable draft capital for a rookie QB if they choose to. They can make it up by supplementing the roster with very high-end free agents. 

Give me Penix with a good/very good OL and these weapons + a defense that blitzes half the amount of the time and can still generate pressure.
Campbell+Wilkins+Phillips (Roy, Day, Jones) with Hunter+Davenport+Carter can be a strong front 5

Man what is it about Penix that has this anti-Kirk crowd so fired up. I think he’s got bust written all over him. Of the much lower second tier of QBs,  i think he’s the worst of the lot. 

I mean if they go into the year with Penix at QB, they’ll be in a position for a top 2 pick to draft another QB the next year with another wasted top pick under their belts

I wonder what you thought about the Texans believing that Stroud could start as a rookie?

CJ Stroud was one of the highest rated QB prospects coming out last year. Penix is AT BEST 6th best in his class. Dude realistically shouldn’t even be a first round pick. 

CJ Stroud is also in the extreme minority of first year QBs who have that kind of success. If you are counting on that happening with the QB we draft, there is OVERWHELMINGLY small chance of that happening. 

@"FLVike" said:

@"CFIAvike" said:

@"FLVike" said:

@"CFIAvike" said:

@"Skodin" said:

@"Geoff Nichols" said:

@"purplefaithful" said:

@"Geoff Nichols" said: I imagine the 1-yr contract point is an inference from the breakdown in their prior conversation last off-season where the Vikings wouldn't offer or guarantee any money past the 2024 season. The Vikings had offered to tack 2 years on Kirk's existing deal with 2023 (last season) and 2024 being guaranteed. Then the Vikings would have flexibility in 2025. Since it was only a single new year in guaranteed money Kirk didn't really engage in that. 

The Kirk extension talks are very interesting since there are two colliding forces. Kirk will need more than a single year on a new deal and guarantees (likely full) into 2025. The Vikings on the other hand have very intentionally earmarked 2025 as the start of their new competitive window. They have complete flexibility. Hockenson, Addison, and Cine are the only 3 players on the entire roster with guaranteed money in 2025 which is kind of crazy.

Kirk played well, but is that enough to get the Viking to move off what they've setup in 2025? 

What does "the start of their new competitive window" mean?

Whether a rookie QB or Kirk, 2025 is financial freedom to basically mold the roster as you wish with no compromise. One path could be to re-sign all of Kirk, Hunter, Darrisaw and JJ. Another could be to add a rookie QB and add a number of high-end free agents. 

Taking this a different direction, the Vikings have set themselves up to successfully trade away considerable draft capital for a rookie QB if they choose to. They can make it up by supplementing the roster with very high-end free agents. 

Give me Penix with a good/very good OL and these weapons + a defense that blitzes half the amount of the time and can still generate pressure.
Campbell+Wilkins+Phillips (Roy, Day, Jones) with Hunter+Davenport+Carter can be a strong front 5

Man what is it about Penix that has this anti-Kirk crowd so fired up. I think he’s got bust written all over him. Of the much lower second tier of QBs,  i think he’s the worst of the lot. 

I mean if they go into the year with Penix at QB, they’ll be in a position for a top 2 pick to draft another QB the next year with another wasted top pick under their belts

I wonder what you thought about the Texans believing that Stroud could start as a rookie?

CJ Stroud was one of the highest rated QB prospects coming out last year. Penix is AT BEST 6th best in his class. Dude realistically shouldn’t even be a first round pick. 

CJ Stroud is also in the extreme minority of first year QBs who have that kind of success. If you are counting on that happening with the QB we draft, there is OVERWHELMINGLY small chance of that happening. 

It's funny you say that because Stroud was my favorite but many were on Young. I wanted to trade up but I did not expect him to go 2nd so we probably could not have got to him.

Purdy was not highly rated and so there are rookies that can play. We absolutely have to pick a QB in this draft and in my opinion it would be best to take one at 11. Now whether it is Penix, McCarthy, Daniels, or Nix, I don't really care. But I expect us to take one of them.

@"FLVike" said:

@"CFIAvike" said:

@"FLVike" said:

@"CFIAvike" said:

@"Skodin" said:

@"Geoff Nichols" said:

@"purplefaithful" said:

@"Geoff Nichols" said: I imagine the 1-yr contract point is an inference from the breakdown in their prior conversation last off-season where the Vikings wouldn't offer or guarantee any money past the 2024 season. The Vikings had offered to tack 2 years on Kirk's existing deal with 2023 (last season) and 2024 being guaranteed. Then the Vikings would have flexibility in 2025. Since it was only a single new year in guaranteed money Kirk didn't really engage in that. 

The Kirk extension talks are very interesting since there are two colliding forces. Kirk will need more than a single year on a new deal and guarantees (likely full) into 2025. The Vikings on the other hand have very intentionally earmarked 2025 as the start of their new competitive window. They have complete flexibility. Hockenson, Addison, and Cine are the only 3 players on the entire roster with guaranteed money in 2025 which is kind of crazy.

Kirk played well, but is that enough to get the Viking to move off what they've setup in 2025? 

What does "the start of their new competitive window" mean?

Whether a rookie QB or Kirk, 2025 is financial freedom to basically mold the roster as you wish with no compromise. One path could be to re-sign all of Kirk, Hunter, Darrisaw and JJ. Another could be to add a rookie QB and add a number of high-end free agents. 

Taking this a different direction, the Vikings have set themselves up to successfully trade away considerable draft capital for a rookie QB if they choose to. They can make it up by supplementing the roster with very high-end free agents. 

Give me Penix with a good/very good OL and these weapons + a defense that blitzes half the amount of the time and can still generate pressure.
Campbell+Wilkins+Phillips (Roy, Day, Jones) with Hunter+Davenport+Carter can be a strong front 5

Man what is it about Penix that has this anti-Kirk crowd so fired up. I think he’s got bust written all over him. Of the much lower second tier of QBs,  i think he’s the worst of the lot. 

I mean if they go into the year with Penix at QB, they’ll be in a position for a top 2 pick to draft another QB the next year with another wasted top pick under their belts

I wonder what you thought about the Texans believing that Stroud could start as a rookie?

CJ Stroud was one of the highest rated QB prospects coming out last year. Penix is AT BEST 6th best in his class. Dude realistically shouldn’t even be a first round pick. 

CJ Stroud is also in the extreme minority of first year QBs who have that kind of success. If you are counting on that happening with the QB we draft, there is OVERWHELMINGLY small chance of that happening. 

It's funny you say that because Stroud was my favorite but many were on Young. I wanted to trade up but I did not expect him to go 2nd so we probably could not have got to him.

Purdy was not highly rated and so there are rookies that can play. We absolutely have to pick a QB in this draft and in my opinion it would be best to take one at 11. Now whether it is Penix, McCarthy, Daniels, or Nix, I don't really care. But I expect us to take one of them.

@"CFIAvike" said:

@"FLVike" said:

@"CFIAvike" said:

@"FLVike" said:

@"CFIAvike" said:

@"Skodin" said:

@"Geoff Nichols" said:

@"purplefaithful" said:

@"Geoff Nichols" said: I imagine the 1-yr contract point is an inference from the breakdown in their prior conversation last off-season where the Vikings wouldn't offer or guarantee any money past the 2024 season. The Vikings had offered to tack 2 years on Kirk's existing deal with 2023 (last season) and 2024 being guaranteed. Then the Vikings would have flexibility in 2025. Since it was only a single new year in guaranteed money Kirk didn't really engage in that. 

The Kirk extension talks are very interesting since there are two colliding forces. Kirk will need more than a single year on a new deal and guarantees (likely full) into 2025. The Vikings on the other hand have very intentionally earmarked 2025 as the start of their new competitive window. They have complete flexibility. Hockenson, Addison, and Cine are the only 3 players on the entire roster with guaranteed money in 2025 which is kind of crazy.

Kirk played well, but is that enough to get the Viking to move off what they've setup in 2025? 

What does "the start of their new competitive window" mean?

Whether a rookie QB or Kirk, 2025 is financial freedom to basically mold the roster as you wish with no compromise. One path could be to re-sign all of Kirk, Hunter, Darrisaw and JJ. Another could be to add a rookie QB and add a number of high-end free agents. 

Taking this a different direction, the Vikings have set themselves up to successfully trade away considerable draft capital for a rookie QB if they choose to. They can make it up by supplementing the roster with very high-end free agents. 

Give me Penix with a good/very good OL and these weapons + a defense that blitzes half the amount of the time and can still generate pressure.
Campbell+Wilkins+Phillips (Roy, Day, Jones) with Hunter+Davenport+Carter can be a strong front 5

Man what is it about Penix that has this anti-Kirk crowd so fired up. I think he’s got bust written all over him. Of the much lower second tier of QBs,  i think he’s the worst of the lot. 

I mean if they go into the year with Penix at QB, they’ll be in a position for a top 2 pick to draft another QB the next year with another wasted top pick under their belts

I wonder what you thought about the Texans believing that Stroud could start as a rookie?

CJ Stroud was one of the highest rated QB prospects coming out last year. Penix is AT BEST 6th best in his class. Dude realistically shouldn’t even be a first round pick. 

CJ Stroud is also in the extreme minority of first year QBs who have that kind of success. If you are counting on that happening with the QB we draft, there is OVERWHELMINGLY small chance of that happening. 

It's funny you say that because Stroud was my favorite but many were on Young. I wanted to trade up but I did not expect him to go 2nd so we probably could not have got to him.

Purdy was not highly rated and so there are rookies that can play. We absolutely have to pick a QB in this draft and in my opinion it would be best to take one at 11. Now whether it is Penix, McCarthy, Daniels, or Nix, I don't really care. But I expect us to take one of them.

You also bring up anomalies like Stroud and Purdy like it's THAT easy to hit on a QB.  You speak as though literally ANY QB other than Kirk is MILES better than what we've got. You probably thought Josh Dobbs walked on water when he came in.  Well, you were wrong about that and you'll be wrong about this too.....and I'll be here for it 

Let's be realistic for a minute with all of this reckless speculation assuming Cousin's demands of $90 Million guaranteed for 2 years is accurate and we move on. We have 2 major issues at play here: 1st) There is zero evidence so far that KOC can identify and develop a Franchise QB. He proved this season that he was inflexible and/or incapable of creating and adapting a QB friendly system for Hall, Dobbs, or Mullens that matched their skill set and experience. He called plays and game planned like Cousins was still under center. 2nd) The chances of the top 3 teams not taking a QB is slim to none. Even if we are in a better position to strike a deal and orchestrate a trade up, in won't matter. Mayo needs his franchise QB to start his coaching tenure off on the right foot. Would you trust Mac Jones, who you didn't draft, to lead the team? Most of his teammates can't stand him. The Bears are in a perfect position to move on from Fields, and Washington won't pass up the opportunity to take Drake Maye

So, this belief that we either trade up for one of the top 3 QB's or sign Cousins to his large contract demands are both Fantasy. Drafting one of the second Tier QB's and signing a Bridge Free Agent seems way more realistic as a probable outcome. That is also the scary part. Expecting KOC and KAM to get the decision right when their decision making so far is pretty suspect.  

For those using the $90M figure for Cousins, this would rank him 9th among NFL QBs. 

@"TBro" said: Let's be realistic for a minute with all of this reckless speculation assuming Cousin's demands of $90 Million guaranteed for 2 years is accurate and we move on. We have 2 major issues at play here: 1st) There is zero evidence so far that KOC can identify and develop a Franchise QB. He proved this season that he was inflexible and/or incapable of creating and adapting a QB friendly system for Hall, Dobbs, or Mullens that matched their skill set and experience. He called plays and game planned like Cousins was still under center. 2nd) The chances of the top 3 teams not taking a QB is slim to none. Even if we are in a better position to strike a deal and orchestrate a trade up, in won't matter. Mayo needs his franchise QB to start his coaching tenure off on the right foot. Would you trust Mac Jones, who you didn't draft, to lead the team? Most of his teammates can't stand him. The Bears are in a perfect position to move on from Fields, and Washington won't pass up the opportunity to take Drake Maye

So, this belief that we either trade up for one of the top 3 QB's or sign Cousins to his large contract demands are both Fantasy. Drafting one of the second Tier QB's and signing a Bridge Free Agent seems way more realistic as a probable outcome. That is also the scary part. Expecting KOC and KAM to get the decision right when their decision making so far is pretty suspect.  

@"MaroonBells" said: For those using the $90M figure for Cousins, this would rank him 9th among NFL QBs. 

@"TBro" said:

@"MaroonBells" said: For those using the $90M figure for Cousins, this would rank him 9th among NFL QBs. 

Correct. That's Daniel Jones money and Cousins is better than that even with the Achilles concerns. I could easily see a QB desperate team give him a 3 year fully guaranteed deal at more than $45M per year. 

I would sooner let Kirk move on. 90 million could go a long ways towards getting us a lot better team, filling other needed positions.
Even if we would pay Kirk, doubtful we would be able to compete against teams in our division.
Kirk has had 6 seasons with us and what has he accomplished?

@"Norse" said: I would sooner let Kirk move on. 90 million could go a long ways towards getting us a lot better team, filling other needed positions. Even if we would pay Kirk, doubtful we would be able to compete against teams in our division. Kirk has had 6 seasons with us and what has he accomplished?

@"JimmyinSD" said:

@"Norse" said: I would sooner let Kirk move on. 90 million could go a long ways towards getting us a lot better team, filling other needed positions. Even if we would pay Kirk, doubtful we would be able to compete against teams in our division. Kirk has had 6 seasons with us and what has he accomplished?

but it wasnt his fault,  it was the OL,  the OC, the HC, the receivers,  the defense, the lack of a running game, the OL again,  there has always been an excuse for him not being the guy he was brought here to be.  when he was signed we were told he was the missing piece,  people brought up his shortcomings with the skins and the puffers all spouted that he never had a team like the Vikings around him,  he never had ownership and coaches that would give him what he needs,  well its looking like we are still missing a trophy,  hell 1 playoff win since he arrived and the story hasnt changed,  its the OL, no running game, porous defense... they likely should just fold the franchise.

@"JimmyinSD" said:

@"Norse" said: I would sooner let Kirk move on. 90 million could go a long ways towards getting us a lot better team, filling other needed positions. Even if we would pay Kirk, doubtful we would be able to compete against teams in our division. Kirk has had 6 seasons with us and what has he accomplished?

but it wasnt his fault,  it was the OL,  the OC, the HC, the receivers,  the defense, the lack of a running game, the OL again,  there has always been an excuse for him not being the guy he was brought here to be.  when he was signed we were told he was the missing piece,  people brought up his shortcomings with the skins and the puffers all spouted that he never had a team like the Vikings around him,  he never had ownership and coaches that would give him what he needs,  well its looking like we are still missing a trophy,  hell 1 playoff win since he arrived and the story hasnt changed,  its the OL, no running game, porous defense... they likely should just fold the franchise.

@"comet52" said:

@"JimmyinSD" said:

@"Norse" said: I would sooner let Kirk move on. 90 million could go a long ways towards getting us a lot better team, filling other needed positions. Even if we would pay Kirk, doubtful we would be able to compete against teams in our division. Kirk has had 6 seasons with us and what has he accomplished?

but it wasnt his fault,  it was the OL,  the OC, the HC, the receivers,  the defense, the lack of a running game, the OL again,  there has always been an excuse for him not being the guy he was brought here to be.  when he was signed we were told he was the missing piece,  people brought up his shortcomings with the skins and the puffers all spouted that he never had a team like the Vikings around him,  he never had ownership and coaches that would give him what he needs,  well its looking like we are still missing a trophy,  hell 1 playoff win since he arrived and the story hasnt changed,  its the OL, no running game, porous defense... they likely should just fold the franchise.

The San Fran model - build a great team around a good but not top tier qb could work... if you actually built a great team around that qb, something the Vikings have never come close to doing in the Kirk era.   

Someone on another forum asked the question - what's a better or easier path to a title--find the next great qb like Mahomes, or building a great team around a good not great qb?   To which I could only say, the Vikings don't appear to be trying either of these.  Honestly, they operate like they don't really have a plan beyond marketing the team and keeping the revenue rolling in.

@"comet52" said:

@"JimmyinSD" said:

@"Norse" said: I would sooner let Kirk move on. 90 million could go a long ways towards getting us a lot better team, filling other needed positions. Even if we would pay Kirk, doubtful we would be able to compete against teams in our division. Kirk has had 6 seasons with us and what has he accomplished?

but it wasnt his fault,  it was the OL,  the OC, the HC, the receivers,  the defense, the lack of a running game, the OL again,  there has always been an excuse for him not being the guy he was brought here to be.  when he was signed we were told he was the missing piece,  people brought up his shortcomings with the skins and the puffers all spouted that he never had a team like the Vikings around him,  he never had ownership and coaches that would give him what he needs,  well its looking like we are still missing a trophy,  hell 1 playoff win since he arrived and the story hasnt changed,  its the OL, no running game, porous defense... they likely should just fold the franchise.

The San Fran model - build a great team around a good but not top tier qb could work... if you actually built a great team around that qb, something the Vikings have never come close to doing in the Kirk era.   

Someone on another forum asked the question - what's a better or easier path to a title--find the next great qb like Mahomes, or building a great team around a good not great qb?   To which I could only say, the Vikings don't appear to be trying either of these.  Honestly, they operate like they don't really have a plan beyond marketing the team and keeping the revenue rolling in.

Might be posted already but it's being reported today by the Pioneer Press that Cousins wants 90 million guaranteed on a 2 year deal to sign re-sign in Minnesota. 

Lol hell no! Enjoy Atlanta Kirk...

@"supafreak84" said: Might be posted already but it's being reported today by the Pioneer Press that Cousins wants 90 million guaranteed on a 2 year deal to sign re-sign in Minnesota. 

Lol hell no! Enjoy Atlanta Kirk...

1. Trade into the top 3 and roll with the rookie
2. If no one picks up the phone and we can’t draft the top 3 QBs at any price, do we move up to make 100% sure we get QB4? Sit tight and pray the guy we want is there at 11?
3. Russell Wilson
4. Tank
5. Bridge QB like Minshew or whoever

Man those options outside of #1 all stink. I know many are ready to move on from Kirk— I am too, frankly— but when I think of the other possibilites… yuck.

If Kirk’s gone and we can’t get Option 1 done I almost think KAM needs to overpay (perhaps massively, gulp) for Justin Fields. It needs to at least be on the table because while that might not be ideal, Options 2-5 I listed above have all kinds of problems too.

Sigh. A day in the life of a Vikings fan.  

@"supafreak84" said: Might be posted already but it's being reported today by the Pioneer Press that Cousins wants 90 million guaranteed on a 2 year deal to sign re-sign in Minnesota. 

Lol hell no! Enjoy Atlanta Kirk...

Found this from Charlie Walters, so we gotta consider the source;

Cousins’ next contract is expected to be for two years in the $75 million range, but all of it guaranteed

https://www.twincities.com/2024/01/13/charley-walters-trading-justin-jefferson-might-be-the-right-move-for-vikings/