Where will Kirk end up?

QB’s are expensive. I know I say that constantly, but someone has to be the voice of reason here. As of the beginning of last year, 9 QB’s had $150 million or more in guaranteed money. Obviously Kirk wasn’t one of them. 

With the injury, I don’t know how it will play out trying to get him off of a fully guaranteed deal. Had it not happened, there was zero chance of not guaranteeing the entire new contract. So the idea that he’ll take significantly less is probably near zero. It’s a pipe dream.

The idea that he will have a weak market is equally a pipe dream from the land of unicorns and rainbows. There are fewer than 32 guys who can perform well enough to be starting QB’s in the league. There are far fewer able to perform at his level. I can think of 8 teams right off the top of my head who will have long discussions about signing him. At most 2 or 3 get a first round QB they think can start, so expect a tremendous market for him. People need to realize it isn’t just about getting a good QB in for these GM’s and coaches, they need to win some games to keep their jobs. 

Unless the Vikings are taking Nix or Penix to start day one, they need to get this contract done prior to Free Agency. Once it starts, I think they’ll struggle to meet the market. 

@"Havoc1649" said: QB’s are expensive. I know I say that constantly, but someone has to be the voice of reason here. As of the beginning of last year, 9 QB’s had $150 million or more in guaranteed money. Obviously Kirk wasn’t one of them. 

With the injury, I don’t know how it will play out trying to get him off of a fully guaranteed deal. Had it not happened, there was zero chance of not guaranteeing the entire new contract. So the idea that he’ll take significantly less is probably near zero. It’s a pipe dream.

The idea that he will have a weak market is equally a pipe dream from the land of unicorns and rainbows. There are fewer than 32 guys who can perform well enough to be starting QB’s in the league. There are far fewer able to perform at his level. I can think of 8 teams right off the top of my head who will have long discussions about signing him. At most 2 or 3 get a first round QB they think can start, so expect a tremendous market for him. People need to realize it isn’t just about getting a good QB in for these GM’s and coaches, they need to win some games to keep their jobs. 

Unless the Vikings are taking Nix or Penix to start day one, they need to get this contract done prior to Free Agency. Once it starts, I think they’ll struggle to meet the market. 

What's interesting is that while a weak market benefits the Vikings in terms of bringing him back, let's say he can't find a better offer and he doesn't like the Vikings offer.  Does he just sit and wait for... ?   I have to think his agent is going to at least get some kind of offer or two nailed down starting this week and finalized during legal tampering, so worst case is Kirk can save face by signing elsewhere if the Vikings offer is one he chokes on.   I still need that AI porn imagery lol.

But that said, the Vikings need to be talking to potential bridge qb's this week like Brisset or Minshew because if Kirk is gone they clearly need to draft a guy and sign a vet (unless you are down for the return of the man, the myth, the legend, Nick Mullens) and those guys might not be on the market very long after free agency opens.   Plan B needs to be set up now, not after an assumed Kirk deal somehow falls apart. 

If I'm right it suggests that whatever happens is going to happen fast once free agency opens, it won't be some lingering situation.  Regardless, there are definitely a lot of balls in the air right now.

@"MaroonBells" said:

From the "what should be obvious" category....

The Purple Persuasion

@TPPSkol

Here's what@PAOnTheMic heard at the #NFL combine "Right before I left yesterday, from somebody I really really trust, I was told Atlanta prefers Cousins over Fields and quite honestly it's not close."

'Get it done': Atlanta reporter says Falcons owner wants Kirk Cousins 

@"MaroonBells" said:

'Get it done': Atlanta reporter says Falcons owner wants Kirk Cousins 

"All eyes, all arrows, everything points towards Kirk Cousins. Arthur Blank has basically told this front office, 'Do what you gotta do, pay what you gotta pay, get it done,'" Klein said on the Dukes & Bell show on 92.9 The Game. "So everybody I've talked to – agents, other coaches and scouts, guys around the league – that's the feeling that they are saying, of what they are hearing, is that the Falcons will put all their attention on Kirk Cousins moving forward."

Well, if they are going to get silly about it? We better start finalizing an aggressive draft plan for a QB and have some dinner with Minshews agent while in Indy. 

I wouldn't mind our guy back from Cinci for a year or so...

From today's GBN;

Falcons early faves to land Bears’ QB Fields … One of the underlying stories circulating at the scouting combine in Indianapolis is where Chicago QB Justin Fields will end up if the Bears, as expected, elect to trade him with USC QB Caleb Williams, the presumptive #1 pick at the 2024 draft looming on the horizon. There were several reports yesterday, for example, that three teams – Atlanta, Las Vegas and Pittsburgh – have shown some serious interest in landing the athletic, although sometimes Fields. The Falcons reportedly have actually talked to the Bears and there have been rumors that the two teams are may actually either have something already in place or are at least close. However, that has not been confirmed, but the Bears have indicated that if they were to move Fields they would like it to be sooner rather later. At the same time, though, there hasn’t been much speculation as to what the compensation would be if that deal were to actually take place, although it appears doubtful it would involve the Falcons’ #1 pick this, the 8th overall. Stay tuned!

@"comet52" said: What's interesting is that while a weak market benefits the Vikings in terms of bringing him back, let's say he can't find a better offer and he doesn't like the Vikings offer.  Does he just sit and wait for... ?   I have to think his agent is going to at least get some kind of offer or two nailed down starting this week and finalized during legal tampering, so worst case is Kirk can save face by signing elsewhere if the Vikings offer is one he chokes on.   I still need that AI porn imagery lol.

But that said, the Vikings need to be talking to potential bridge qb's this week like Brisset or Minshew because if Kirk is gone they clearly need to draft a guy and sign a vet (unless you are down for the return of the man, the myth, the legend, Nick Mullens) and those guys might not be on the market very long after free agency opens.   Plan B needs to be set up now, not after an assumed Kirk deal somehow falls apart. 

If I'm right it suggests that whatever happens is going to happen fast once free agency opens, it won't be some lingering situation.  Regardless, there are definitely a lot of balls in the air right now.

That said, I think with so many teams desperate, I don’t
think Cousins will have problems finding a team that will give him a contract
he can accept before the draft.  If he
doesn’t feel happy with his pre-draft options, I think he’ll still have a
comparable options at worst after the draft, and maybe potentially better
options as the teams who didn’t get a rookie QB are looking at throwing 2024
away or not.

Lotta steam suddenly coming out of Atlanta, including a rumor that Arthur Blank told his people to go get Cousins.

@"comet52" said: Lotta steam suddenly coming out of Atlanta, including a rumor that Arthur Blank told his people to go get Cousins.

On a positive note if Kirko does sign with Atlanta, their pick becomes a prime trade up spot if a QB drops. Atlanta won't draft a QB if they sign Kirko. Chicago, immediately behind Atlanta, would like nothing more than prevent us from drafting our QBOTF. If a QB drops, jumping in front of Chicago would be a wise strategy.

@"supafreak84" said: From today's GBN;

Falcons early faves to land Bears’ QB Fields … One of the underlying stories circulating at the scouting combine in Indianapolis is where Chicago QB Justin Fields will end up if the Bears, as expected, elect to trade him with USC QB Caleb Williams, the presumptive #1 pick at the 2024 draft looming on the horizon. There were several reports yesterday, for example, that three teams – Atlanta, Las Vegas and Pittsburgh – have shown some serious interest in landing the athletic, although sometimes Fields. The Falcons reportedly have actually talked to the Bears and there have been rumors that the two teams are may actually either have something already in place or are at least close. However, that has not been confirmed, but the Bears have indicated that if they were to move Fields they would like it to be sooner rather later. At the same time, though, there hasn’t been much speculation as to what the compensation would be if that deal were to actually take place, although it appears doubtful it would involve the Falcons’ #1 pick this, the 8th overall. Stay tuned!

LOL.....I just listened to the latest podcast from the NFL Stock Exchange which was released yesterday. The hosts are at the combine & the subject was rumors that they've heard since Monday. They said that Chicago was finding a weak market for Fields. Few teams are showing interests & those that are were offering a 3rd round pick at most.
So who knows.

@"Knucklehead" said:

@"comet52" said: Lotta steam suddenly coming out of Atlanta, including a rumor that Arthur Blank told his people to go get Cousins.

On a positive note if Kirko does sign with Atlanta, their pick becomes a prime trade up spot if a QB drops. Atlanta won't draft a QB if they sign Kirko. Chicago, immediately behind Atlanta, would like nothing more than prevent us from drafting our QBOTF. If a QB drops, jumping in front of Chicago would be a wise strategy.

@"comet52" said:

@"Knucklehead" said:

@"comet52" said: Lotta steam suddenly coming out of Atlanta, including a rumor that Arthur Blank told his people to go get Cousins.

On a positive note if Kirko does sign with Atlanta, their pick becomes a prime trade up spot if a QB drops. Atlanta won't draft a QB if they sign Kirko. Chicago, immediately behind Atlanta, would like nothing more than prevent us from drafting our QBOTF. If a QB drops, jumping in front of Chicago would be a wise strategy.

Well if Chicago, Washington and New England take Williams, Maye and Daniels as expected, that leaves the next tier of guys as Penix, Nix, and McCarthy, not necessarily in that order.  If Atlanta signs Kirk then the only team ahead of us that might be looking at a qb would be the Giants.  Of course others could trade up but even then, looking behind us I don't see a bunch of qb-needy teams.  Maybe Denver but they are right behind us so does moving up really make sense?   The only other team I can see behind us who might be saying they need to land a top qb prospect is Tampa, and that would depend on whether Baker returns or not.  They can probably just sit at 26 and get one of those guys because again, all the teams behind us are pretty much set at the position.   

And is one of those 3 guys really worth a big spend?  I'm not even sure they all rank as first round talent.  The Vikings might actually be looking to trade back a bit and still get their guy, similar to the Darrisaw move which is probably the last time we executed a really smart deal in the draft around here.

@"comet52" said:

@"Knucklehead" said:

@"comet52" said: Lotta steam suddenly coming out of Atlanta, including a rumor that Arthur Blank told his people to go get Cousins.

On a positive note if Kirko does sign with Atlanta, their pick becomes a prime trade up spot if a QB drops. Atlanta won't draft a QB if they sign Kirko. Chicago, immediately behind Atlanta, would like nothing more than prevent us from drafting our QBOTF. If a QB drops, jumping in front of Chicago would be a wise strategy.

Well if Chicago, Washington and New England take Williams, Maye and Daniels as expected, that leaves the next tier of guys as Penix, Nix, and McCarthy, not necessarily in that order.  If Atlanta signs Kirk then the only team ahead of us that might be looking at a qb would be the Giants.  Of course others could trade up but even then, looking behind us I don't see a bunch of qb-needy teams.  Maybe Denver but they are right behind us so does moving up really make sense?   The only other team I can see behind us who might be saying they need to land a top qb prospect is Tampa, and that would depend on whether Baker returns or not.  They can probably just sit at 26 and get one of those guys because again, all the teams behind us are pretty much set at the position.   

And is one of those 3 guys really worth a big spend?  I'm not even sure they all rank as first round talent.  The Vikings might actually be looking to trade back a bit and still get their guy, similar to the Darrisaw move which is probably the last time we executed a really smart deal in the draft around here.

@"purplefaithful" said:

@"MaroonBells" said:

'Get it done': Atlanta reporter says Falcons owner wants Kirk Cousins 

"All eyes, all arrows, everything points towards Kirk Cousins. Arthur Blank has basically told this front office, 'Do what you gotta do, pay what you gotta pay, get it done,'" Klein said on the Dukes & Bell show on 92.9 The Game. "So everybody I've talked to – agents, other coaches and scouts, guys around the league – that's the feeling that they are saying, of what they are hearing, is that the Falcons will put all their attention on Kirk Cousins moving forward."

I got a growing suspicion ATL may tip the scales for his departure and this kinda cements that.

Well, if they are going to get silly about it? We better start finalizing an aggressive draft plan for a QB and have some dinner with Minshews agent while in Indy. 

I wouldn't mind our guy back from Cinci for a year or so...

@"pattersaur" said:

@"comet52" said:

@"Knucklehead" said:

@"comet52" said: Lotta steam suddenly coming out of Atlanta, including a rumor that Arthur Blank told his people to go get Cousins.

On a positive note if Kirko does sign with Atlanta, their pick becomes a prime trade up spot if a QB drops. Atlanta won't draft a QB if they sign Kirko. Chicago, immediately behind Atlanta, would like nothing more than prevent us from drafting our QBOTF. If a QB drops, jumping in front of Chicago would be a wise strategy.

Well if Chicago, Washington and New England take Williams, Maye and Daniels as expected, that leaves the next tier of guys as Penix, Nix, and McCarthy, not necessarily in that order.  If Atlanta signs Kirk then the only team ahead of us that might be looking at a qb would be the Giants.  Of course others could trade up but even then, looking behind us I don't see a bunch of qb-needy teams.  Maybe Denver but they are right behind us so does moving up really make sense?   The only other team I can see behind us who might be saying they need to land a top qb prospect is Tampa, and that would depend on whether Baker returns or not.  They can probably just sit at 26 and get one of those guys because again, all the teams behind us are pretty much set at the position.   

And is one of those 3 guys really worth a big spend?  I'm not even sure they all rank as first round talent.  The Vikings might actually be looking to trade back a bit and still get their guy, similar to the Darrisaw move which is probably the last time we executed a really smart deal in the draft around here.

Maybe the combine changes things but Penix has had sub-zero buzz since he laid an egg in the championship game. Feels like he has fallen way down boards, or was never high on them to begin with outside of the media. 

@"Wetlander" said:

@"pattersaur" said:

@"comet52" said:

@"Knucklehead" said:

@"comet52" said: Lotta steam suddenly coming out of Atlanta, including a rumor that Arthur Blank told his people to go get Cousins.

On a positive note if Kirko does sign with Atlanta, their pick becomes a prime trade up spot if a QB drops. Atlanta won't draft a QB if they sign Kirko. Chicago, immediately behind Atlanta, would like nothing more than prevent us from drafting our QBOTF. If a QB drops, jumping in front of Chicago would be a wise strategy.

Well if Chicago, Washington and New England take Williams, Maye and Daniels as expected, that leaves the next tier of guys as Penix, Nix, and McCarthy, not necessarily in that order.  If Atlanta signs Kirk then the only team ahead of us that might be looking at a qb would be the Giants.  Of course others could trade up but even then, looking behind us I don't see a bunch of qb-needy teams.  Maybe Denver but they are right behind us so does moving up really make sense?   The only other team I can see behind us who might be saying they need to land a top qb prospect is Tampa, and that would depend on whether Baker returns or not.  They can probably just sit at 26 and get one of those guys because again, all the teams behind us are pretty much set at the position.   

And is one of those 3 guys really worth a big spend?  I'm not even sure they all rank as first round talent.  The Vikings might actually be looking to trade back a bit and still get their guy, similar to the Darrisaw move which is probably the last time we executed a really smart deal in the draft around here.

Maybe the combine changes things but Penix has had sub-zero buzz since he laid an egg in the championship game. Feels like he has fallen way down boards, or was never high on them to begin with outside of the media. 

Penix is the Hendon Hooker of this year's draft.  Popular in the media, but I don't think NFL teams view him as a first round guy. I think it's more likely he's late 2nd or early 3rd round pick. 

@"Wetlander" said:

@"pattersaur" said:

@"comet52" said:

@"Knucklehead" said:

@"comet52" said: Lotta steam suddenly coming out of Atlanta, including a rumor that Arthur Blank told his people to go get Cousins.

On a positive note if Kirko does sign with Atlanta, their pick becomes a prime trade up spot if a QB drops. Atlanta won't draft a QB if they sign Kirko. Chicago, immediately behind Atlanta, would like nothing more than prevent us from drafting our QBOTF. If a QB drops, jumping in front of Chicago would be a wise strategy.

Well if Chicago, Washington and New England take Williams, Maye and Daniels as expected, that leaves the next tier of guys as Penix, Nix, and McCarthy, not necessarily in that order.  If Atlanta signs Kirk then the only team ahead of us that might be looking at a qb would be the Giants.  Of course others could trade up but even then, looking behind us I don't see a bunch of qb-needy teams.  Maybe Denver but they are right behind us so does moving up really make sense?   The only other team I can see behind us who might be saying they need to land a top qb prospect is Tampa, and that would depend on whether Baker returns or not.  They can probably just sit at 26 and get one of those guys because again, all the teams behind us are pretty much set at the position.   

And is one of those 3 guys really worth a big spend?  I'm not even sure they all rank as first round talent.  The Vikings might actually be looking to trade back a bit and still get their guy, similar to the Darrisaw move which is probably the last time we executed a really smart deal in the draft around here.

Maybe the combine changes things but Penix has had sub-zero buzz since he laid an egg in the championship game. Feels like he has fallen way down boards, or was never high on them to begin with outside of the media. 

Penix is the Hendon Hooker of this year's draft.  Popular in the media, but I don't think NFL teams view him as a first round guy. I think it's more likely he's late 2nd or early 3rd round pick. 

Nix is getting no love here huh?