Minnesota Vikings defensive tackle Harrison Phillips knows replacing Kirk Cousins won’t be easy.
On Wednesday, Phillips discussed the quarterback’s free-agent departure on NFL Total Access.
“There is gonna be a huge loss,” Phillips told Michael Yam. “Kirk Cousins as a person, as a leader, as a teammate, that’s a big void in your locker room. One of the most humble guys that I’ve ever been around. Servant, leader, just a great motivator. He’s great.”
Phillips doesn’t think one player can seamlessly replace the “obviously amazing” Cousins as team leader. The veteran called for a group effort to step up.
“There’s already guys that I’ve seen these last few seasons being on this roster—some are captains, some are not captains yet but will be in their careers—and so we’re going to pass that torch off and kind of division of labor,” he said. “We’re going to all carry that load together, and maybe we can be a better football team for it.”
The Vikings rebuilt their quarterback room by signing Sam Darnold to a one-year deal and drafting J.J. McCarthy with the No. 10 pick. Phillips said he has “full confidence” in Darnold and believes he and Nick Mullens will do “will do everything they can to lift” McCarthy.
Phillips, who previously played for the Buffalo Bills, recalled watching Josh Allen’s development into a star quarterback and team leader. He hoped for a similar transition period for Minnesota’s rookie.
In addition to Cousins’ departure, the Vikings also lost fellow captains Danielle Hunter and Jordan Hicks in free agency. Phillips will assume an immense role anchoring Minnesota’s defense after tallying a career-high 92 tackles last season.