The Minnesota Vikings are running out of time to extend Kirk Cousins before free agency.
NFL teams can begin negotiating with unrestricted free agents on Monday afternoon, and Cousins’ contract voids when players are officially allowed to sign on Wednesday. By then, it could effectively be clearer whether Cousins will return to Minnesota.
According to The Athletic’s Dianna Russini and Alec Lewis, Cousins is expected to reach out to the Vikings on Sunday night regarding his decision to pursue free agency.
The Vikings will carry a $28.5 million dead cap hit when Cousins’ contract voids. That creates more urgency for them to extend the 35-year-old beforehand.
Cousins left Washington as a free agent in 2018. Over six seasons in Minnesota, he posted a 101.2 quarterback rating and 171 passing touchdowns. He missed just two games during his Vikings tenure before suffering a season-ending Achilles tear in Week 8.
Minnesota experienced an ugly glimpse of life without Cousins, losing six of its final seven games to fall out of the playoff chase. If the four-time Pro Bowler leaves, the organization would almost certainly need to sign, draft, or trade for a new starter.
The Atlanta Falcons are perceived as a formidable threat to lure Cousins away from Minnesota. ESPN insider Jeremy Fowler said Cousins is Atlanta’s top target this offseason, but Dan Graziano cautioned that the Vikings remain in the running to retain him.
Cousins would join Baker Mayfield and Russell Wilson among the top available quarterbacks if he hits free agency. He’ll reportedly soon reveal that decision to the Vikings.