QB Kirk Cousins, ATL (8 Viewers)

[The Frankman]

Kirk Cousins completed 17-of-28 for 187 yards and two touchdowns in the Vikings' Week 9 loss to the Ravens, adding one rush for one yard and a touchdown. 

It was a lackluster performance from Cousins outside a 50-yard touchdown connection with Justin Jefferson in the first quarter. He continually settled for dump offs instead of challenging the beatable Baltimore secondary downfield. Fantasy wise, Cousins ended up OK thanks mostly to a one-yard leap into the end zone and a late touchdown toss to red zone maven Adam Thielen. Cousins could have a low fantasy floor next week against a Chargers defense that's begging for a heavy dose of Dalvin Cook. 

- NBC SportsEDGE

 

[Faust]

Mike Zimmer hoping Kirk Cousins continues to be aggressive as Vikings look to stack wins

 

[Faust]

The Athletic's Chad Graff said the Vikings should lean more heavily on Kirk Cousins and the team's passing offense with Dalvin Cook (shoulder) sidelined for at least the next two games. 

Graff suggested it's time for the team to "let Cousins cook" in an offense that should be more pass heavy without Dalvin Cook, its unquestioned offensive centerpiece. Head coach Mike Zimmer has long advocated for a balanced offense, and that's reflected in Vikings' rank of 23rd in pass frequency in neutral situations this year. "That’s right where Zimmer wants to be, an offense that throws half the time and runs half the time," Graff said. With one of the NFL's best receiver tandems and a serviceable No. 3 receiver in K.J. Osborn, Minnesota is certainly well positioned to thrive with a pass-heavy attack down the stretch. Through Week 12, they have one of the league's best passing offenses, ranking sixth in expected points added (EPA) per pass attempt. They have the third best EPA per drop back over the past five weeks. A ramped-up Minnesota passing attack would unlock a weekly fantasy ceiling for all involved. Alexander Mattison, based on rushing and pass catching volume alone, will be a top-12 fantasy option with Cook sidelined. 

RELATED: 

K.J. Osborn

, Justin Jefferson

, Adam Thielen

SOURCE: The Athletic 

Nov 30, 2021, 9:06 AM ET

 

[Faust]

Why the next five games may help determine Kirk Cousins' future in Minnesota

 

[Faust]

Kirk Cousins completed 14-of-31 passes for 216 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions in Minnesota's 36-28 Week 14 win over the Steelers.

Cousins completed just five passes after halftime, three of them on the game's penultimate drive, as the Vikings watched the Steelers turn a 29-0 lead into a one-score game. Cousins' two interceptions were paramount in providing oxygen to the Pittsburgh comeback. To his credit, he did scramble for a key first down in the fourth quarter, and his pass to Dalvin Cook to convert the second-to-last third down of the game was perfectly placed. The Vikings will have extra rest before taking on the Bears in Week 15. 

Dec 9, 2021, 11:48 PM ET

 

[Faust]

Vikings QB Kirk Cousins headed to reserve/COVID-19 list, out Sunday vs. Packers

 

[TampaMike19]

He definitely got his chance and blew it 

 

[kyoun1e]

Wonder if Cousins purposely ran into a bunch of Covid positive players so he could avoid another prime time meltdown. 

 

[TampaMike19]

Wonder if Cousins purposely ran into a bunch of Covid positive players so he could avoid another prime time meltdown. 

Chess not checkers lol

 

[CletiusMaximus]

$161.7 million in 10 seasons and counting. First ballot entry into Andrew Brandt’s Business of Football Hall of Fame. Impeccable timing throughout his career. 

 

[Fear The Turtle]

$161.7 million in 10 seasons and counting. First ballot entry into Andrew Brandt’s Business of Football Hall of Fame. Impeccable timing throughout his career. 

Thanks for posting that article. I admit I didn't study it but how are the players included in the Non-Quarterbacks list even comparable to the QBs? I mean Fitz, Suh, etc. achieved lots of on the field success, no?

 

[tangfoot]

You like that

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

Just saw a video from earlier this year of him saying he’s not vaccinated & “maybe I’ll walk around (camp) in an acrylic box” and now he’s likely costing his team a shot at the playoffs with his selfishness. - seems like karma comes fast for some of these guys.  
 

On another note, as someone who received Mond as a toss-in to a deal earlier this year, I’m hoping he gets the start & shows something good. 

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

You like that

 

 

[CletiusMaximus]

$161.7 million in 10 seasons and counting. First ballot entry into Andrew Brandt’s Business of Football Hall of Fame. Impeccable timing throughout his career. 

Thanks for posting that article. I admit I didn't study it but how are the players included in the Non-Quarterbacks list even comparable to the QBs? I mean Fitz, Suh, etc. achieved lots of on the field success, no?

I think the SI editors took some liberties with Brandt's story in their sub-heading where they reference success on the field. He has a separate "wing" in his HoF for "busts" like J. Russel, but otherwise is not critical or negative in terms of these guys earning what they were paid. I heard his podcast on this list and it was never about being undeserved or negative in terms of on-field achievements.  His focus was on these players having great timing (some luck), great agents and maximizing the value of their situation, particularly on their 2nd, 3rd contracts.  Fitz is a tremendous story because he's had a long successful career and has negotiated several great post-rookie contracts, making him the highest earning non-QB on the offensive side of the team in NFL history. I think Brandt's text makes that clear. Cousins has obviously been a successful NFL quarterback who has earned every penny - but also exploited bad GM decisions, performed at the right place right time to get some incredible contracts, including his current one.

 

[BigJim®]

On another note, as someone who received Mond as a toss-in to a deal earlier this year, I’m hoping he gets the start & shows something good. 

He won't. Mannion was named starter.

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

He won't. Mannion was named starter.

Just saw that. Mannion is truly awful, too. O/U on 3 Ints at the Frozen Tundra? I'm taking the O. 

I guess that's good for Mond, too, in a way. 

 

[Scooby1974]

This absolutely sucks for us Jefferson owners.....

 

[BigJim®]

Just saw that. Mannion is truly awful, too. O/U on 3 Ints at the Frozen Tundra? I'm taking the O. 

I guess that's good for Mond, too, in a way. 

Who knows. Good news is there will probably be no reason not to start Mond the following week after a GB loss puts the team out of the playoffs. Bad news is the Vikes would be putting Mond behind an OL that has no ability to stop the Bears front 4. 

 

[foxco]

This absolutely sucks for us Jefferson owners.....

Yeah, only made 1 finals and of course relying on Jefferson in it, huge blow to my chances. Crushing season all around. 

 

[fatness]

Vikings QB Kirk Cousins headed to reserve/COVID-19 list, out Sunday vs. Packers

Great, he'll have more time to do his own research.

 

[JamieMurphy]

Great, he'll have more time to do his own research.

This was what made plying this year particularly daunting. One, not being able to predict the waves of infection through the variants, and two, not knowing for sure who was vaccinated. I started to avoid unvaccinated players due to the stringent protocols they faced.

Players who aren't on the field don't score any fantasy points. Frustrating end to a dismal season.

 

[fatness]

I started to avoid unvaccinated players due to the stringent protocols they faced.

So did I, knowing that if they tested positive they could easily miss 2 games.

 

[Judge Smails]

This absolutely sucks for us Jefferson owners.....

This sucks for everyone but the Packer running game and defense 

 

[C-Bound]

Yeah, only made 1 finals and of course relying on Jefferson in it, huge blow to my chances. Crushing season all around. 

Same here but you gotta roll him out.  Mannion is a big guy with a big arm so hopefully he'll chuck it...to the correct team some as well.

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

Players who aren't on the field don't score any fantasy points. Frustrating end to a dismal season.

some of us were mocked for downgrading players we knew weren’t vaxxed like LJax & Cousins. 

lo & behold, the most predictable of all possible outcomes. I’m shocked. Shocked, I say. This is my shocked face:

 

[travdogg]

In a way, this is probably the best thing that could have happened for Cousins himself, I mean unless something terrible happens with his health of course. 

The Vikings will see how valuable he is, and how bad they are without him, and he'll hopefully learn a lesson and get vaxxed. 

I personally thought this was a 50-50 game going into the week. A Super Bowl of sorts for the Vikings, and GB has had a lot of trouble with them. With Mannion starting, I'd be shocked if the Vikings kept it within 2 scores. 

some of us were mocked for downgrading players we knew weren’t vaxxed like LJax & Cousins. 

lo & behold, the most predictable of all possible outcomes. I’m shocked. Shocked, I say. This is my shocked face:

While I agree to an extent about Jackson. I wouldn't consider fading Cousins a good call. He was drafted as a backup in all but the largest of leagues (and probably hit waivers in a few) and has more than exceeded his draft cost. 

If somebody wasn't carrying a backup QB, because they had Kirk Cousins, that's just bad ownership, and nobody's fault but theirs. 

 

[OrganizedChaos]

Same here but you gotta roll him out.  Mannion is a big guy with a big arm so hopefully he'll chuck it...to the correct team some as well.

I don't know. At kickoff it will be 9 degrees (feel like -2) and will just get colder.  Seems to be lining up for a lot of running. That was bad enough. Then add in a not good career backup? Can Mannion get the ball to Jefferson and for a score at some point?  I have OBJ sitting on my bench. Balt D was already horrible against the pass and lost another CB for the week today. Leaning towards plugging him in but will see how I feel Sunday morning.   Would have rolled with Jefferson if Cousins was in but Mannion gives me pause at least.

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

While I agree to an extent about Jackson. I wouldn't consider fading Cousins a good call. He was drafted as a backup in all but the largest of leagues (and probably hit waivers in a few) and has more than exceeded his draft cost. 

If somebody wasn't carrying a backup QB, because they had Kirk Cousins, that's just bad ownership, and nobody's fault but theirs. 

one of the teams in my league’s LCG backed up Russel Wilson with Cousins.

He traded away Russ because Cousins was playing so well. 

Now he’s hosed. 

 

[BigJim®]

… and he'll hopefully learn a lesson and get vaxxed. 

0% likelihood.

 

[CletiusMaximus]

It’s going to be a very interesting off season in Minnesota. They’re probably not quite in a Goff situation where they’d have to give up draft picks to get someone to take him, but it won’t be easy to get rid of that last contract year. They could extend him, which would be just incredible to see this guy getting yet another historic deal. Most likely I think is they just roll with him again in a final lame duck season, but then the question is whether they go all in with him or try to put a succession plan in place. 

 

[BigJim®]

It’s going to be a very interesting off season in Minnesota. They’re probably not quite in a Goff situation where they’d have to give up draft picks to get someone to take him, but it won’t be easy to get rid of that last contract year. They could extend him, which would be just incredible to see this guy getting yet another historic deal. Most likely I think is they just roll with him again in a final lame duck season, but then the question is whether they go all in with him or try to put a succession plan in place. 

I don’t see an alternative to a lame duck season. I also don’t have much confidence that the current regime has any chance of a succession plan. It will be yet another overpaid mercenary in 2023.

 

[Faust]

Vikings' Mike Zimmer says QB Kirk Cousins will start Sunday vs. Bears

 

[Faust]

The Pioneer Press's Chris Tomasson reports it's "uncertain" if Kirk Cousins will be back with the Vikings in 2022.

The Vikings moved on from coach Mike Zimmer and GM Rick Spielman, leaving Cousins's future in question under a new regime. Owed a guaranteed $35 million with a $45 million cap hit, it's possible the next general manager will look to trade Cousins rather than extend him in the final year of his contract. Third-round QB Kellen Mond is coming off a lost rookie year and Minnesota holds the No. 12 pick, putting them in position to draft one of the top quarterbacks even if they let Cousins play out his final year.

SOURCE: twincities.com

Jan 14, 2022, 5:29 PM ET

 

[Faust]

The Athletic's Chad Graff said the Broncos, Panthers, and Steelers are the most likely trade partners for Kirk Cousins this offseason. 

Cousins is entering the final year of his bloated deal with the Vikings, who recently cleaned house after Cousins and the Vikings underperformed for the past couple seasons. If the Vikings can find a team willing to take on Cousins' entire $35 million salary cap hit (16.8 percent of a team's cap space for 2022), Minnesota might receive a couple day three draft picks in exchange, Graff said, comparing the deal to the Chiefs trading Alex Smith to Washington in 2018. A trade for Cousins, 33, would likely be far too splashy a move for the hyper-conservative Steelers organization, and the Panthers could barely afford the transaction because they're on the hook for Sam Darnold in 2022. That leaves the QB-starved Broncos, a team that should move heaven and earth to land a viable quarterback to pair with their excellent pass catchers and running backs. A desperate Denver team could hold its nose and take the hit to bring Cousins aboard. 

RELATED: 

Carolina Panthers

, Pittsburgh Steelers

, Denver Broncos

SOURCE: The Athletic 

Jan 18, 2022, 9:45 AM ET

 

[Faust]

ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reports that Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell "conveyed a firm belief in Kirk Cousins during the interview process."

He added that O'Connell wasn't the only interviewee high on Cousins. Minnesota's quarterback is on the final year of his contract and the rumor mill is abuzz with the idea that he could be on the move. However, Cousins is owed $35 million in base salary alone, all of which would be passed onto the team that trades for him if a deal is made without any contract changes. Combined with O'Connell's supposed faith in Cousins, it's unlikely that the Vikings proceed without him in 2022.

SOURCE: Jeremy Fowler on Twitter

Feb 7, 2022, 1:51 PM ET

 

[Faust]

NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reports QB Kirk Cousins will remain with the Vikings in 2022.

The Vikings plan to move forward with Cousins under new coach Kevin O'Connell, who overlapped with him in Washington. Owed a fully guaranteed $35 million and a $45 million cap hit, Cousins was always unlikely to be traded given his backloaded contract. Minnesota will stick with Cousins for at least one more year, potentially with an extension or on a restructured deal.

SOURCE: NFL Network

Feb 13, 2022, 10:21 AM ET

 

[Faust]

The Athletic's Chad Graff estimated there's a 25 percent chance Kirk Cousins will be traded this offseason. 

"All told, I now think it’s more likely than not that Cousins stays with the Vikings. After the season ended, I guessed there was around a 60 percent chance that Cousins was traded," Graff said. With new general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and head coach Kevin O’Connell in place, Graff's estimate lowered to 25 percent. It's not exact math, but O'Connell's history with Cousins -- O'Connell was Washington's quarterbacks coach -- and reports of confidence in Cousins as Minnesota's starter mean he's likely to stay put this offseason. Only the most QB-desperate teams would entertain a trade for Cousins, 33, who is due $45 million in 2022. The Athletic's Ben Standig, who covers the Washington Commanders, recently said "my sense is Cousins wouldn’t automatically rule out the Commanders should the opportunity become available."

RELATED: 

Washington Commanders

SOURCE: The Athletic 

Feb 14, 2022, 11:58 AM ET

 

[Faust]

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports "it seems" the Vikings are committed to Kirk Cousins for 2022.

This has been the growing consensus from both Rapsheet's league-paid colleagues and the local Minnesota media. The stumbling block remains that 2022 is the final season of Cousins' deal. Quarterbacks of Cousins' stature almost never head into the final year of a contract without some sort of adjustment. It's possible a year or two could be tacked on in a way that would not make Cousins prohibitive to trade in 2023. 

SOURCE: Ian Rapoport on Twitter 

Feb 17, 2022, 2:35 PM ET

 

[skol asylum]

I'm thinking they are just trying to drive up his trade price.

 

[Faust]

Judd Zulgad of SKOR North reported Monday that the Panthers have called the Vikings about a possible trade for Kirk Cousins.

Take this with a massive grain of salt, but Zulgad is a former employee of the reputable Minneapolis Star-Tribune and was once a Vikings beat writer who is still involved in the Twin Cities sports scene. He easily could have connections. "[The Vikings] have gotten a call. Now, from what I’ve heard, it went nowhere so far," Zulgad said. “But it’s interesting that the phone did ring, and on the other end of the line...the Carolina Panthers. ... The Vikings supposedly said ‘Hey, let’s put a pin in that conversation. We don’t plan to move him now.'" There's word the Vikings want Cousins to take a pay cut in the final year of his deal to help reduce his $45 million cap hit. But Cousins is reportedly not interested. The hiring of coach Kevin O'Connell, who worked with Cousins in Washington earlier in their careers, is viewed as a positive, and the sides might be able to work something out. On Carolina's side, look for coach Matt Rhule to turn over every stone in his search for a competent quarterback as he tries to save his job.

RELATED: 

Carolina Panthers

SOURCE: Purple Daily

Feb 21, 2022, 10:08 PM ET

 

[Faust]

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport said, "I don't think there's any truth to the Panthers rumors," in reference to Carolina inquiring about a trade for Kirk Cousins.

The rumor mill has been abuzz with whispers of Carolina pursing Cousins but Rapoport shot them down, saying, "I believe he'll be back with the Vikings." Cousins' new team would take on a $35 million cap hit and get a player with one year left on their contract. Both factors greatly limit the pool of teams that would even consider moving players or draft picks for him. Newly-minted head coach Kevin O'Connell has also stated that he expects Cousins to be part of the team in 2022. All signs point to Cousins playing out the final year of his current deal with Minnesota before the two sides part ways at the end of the upcoming season.

RELATED: 

Carolina Panthers

SOURCE: Pat McAfee on Twitter

Feb 22, 2022, 1:33 PM ET

 

[skol asylum]

Rapaport has reported day after day Kirk is going no where. Seems to me that's pretty fishy behavior with trade season still 3 plus weeks away. Vikes possibly using him to drive up his value.

 

[Faust]

Speaking at the Combine Wednesday, new Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell reiterated that Kirk Cousins is "our quarterback."

"I’m excited about that," O'Connell continued. "I’m excited about building an offense for him." O'Connell has been steadfast in his praise and commitment to Cousins as the Vikings' quarterback for 2022 despite Cousins being linked to some trade rumors. If not for O'Connell's history with Cousins dating back to their Washington days and the utter lack of quality quarterbacks options out there, it might be a different story for Cousins in Minnesota. But it would be a shock if Cousins isn't under center for the Vikings in Week 1.

SOURCE: Tom Pelissero on Twitter

Mar 2, 2022, 3:03 PM ET

 

[Faust]

The Athletic’s Chad Graff reports that Kirk Cousins is unlikely to take a “hometown discount” in contract negotiations with the Vikings.

Cousins is due $45 million in 2022 and is set to be a free agent at the end of the season. Graff said conversations around the NFL Scouting Combine suggest Cousins won’t be looking to re-sign with the Vikings at a discounted rate. The Vikings would benefit from extending Cousins prior to the 2022 season in hopes of freeing up cap space to address other needs in free agency, but finding middle ground on an agreement could prove difficult. Cousins threw for 4,221-33-7 last season with the Vikings and is in prime position to win in negotiations. It’s unlikely teams will want to trade for him with one-year remaining on his contract without any guarantees of him re-signing. And unless the Vikings are willing to risk a down season or two by letting him walk at the end of the 2022 season, it’s likely the soon-to-be 34 year old quarterback will get a lucrative deal.

SOURCE: The Athletic

Mar 4, 2022, 10:37 AM ET

 

[Ministry of Pain]

Minnesota should see how easy it is to move QBs right now and try to trade Kirk Cousins. 

Kyle Shanahan always admired him, maybe he'd like to swap Jimmy G for Cousins on a 1 year deal while Lance continues to learn and develop? Nobody likes that idea so I'll go to Door No 2 which still falls under the Shanahan umbrella. 

Coach M&M worked under Shananhan and he had to know the feelings he has towards Cousins and his new team, the Miami Dolphins have at least $65M in cap space right now. 

Folks, Miami is not rebuilding, in fact the new coach should be one of the few who upon hire has to get int he Playoffs almost his 1st year to be deemed a success. Miami was 19-14 the last 2 seasons, 10-7 and 9-8, they are expecting to win 11-12 games with an improved offense, this isn't going to go well if his 1st season Miami reverses and ends up 7-10 or worse, that would be a disaster after Miami went thru a complete rebuild. 

 

[Dr. Octopus]

Minnesota should see how easy it is to move QBs right now and try to trade Kirk Cousins. 

Kyle Shanahan always admired him, maybe he'd like to swap Jimmy G for Cousins on a 1 year deal while Lance continues to learn and develop? Nobody likes that idea so I'll go to Door No 2 which still falls under the Shanahan umbrella. 

Coach M&M worked under Shananhan and he had to know the feelings he has towards Cousins and his new team, the Miami Dolphins have at least $65M in cap space right now. 

Folks, Miami is not rebuilding, in fact the new coach should be one of the few who upon hire has to get int he Playoffs almost his 1st year to be deemed a success. Miami was 19-14 the last 2 seasons, 10-7 and 9-8, they are expecting to win 11-12 games with an improved offense, this isn't going to go well if his 1st season Miami reverses and ends up 7-10 or worse, that would be a disaster after Miami went thru a complete rebuild. 

Please let Kirk Cousins go the Miami for that cap hit!!!

 

[Faust]

Video link:

Baldinger: Colts should 'make a call' to Vikings for Kirk Cousins

 

[Faust]

Vikings signed Kirk Cousins to a one-year, $35 million extension through 2023. 

NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reports the extension is fully guaranteed. The deal saves the Vikings $14 million against the cap this year, substantially lowering what was scheduled to be a record $45.2 million cap hit. Barring a trade, which may be difficult depending on the structure of this extension, this deal will keep Cousins in Minnesota for at least the next two years. Given the other options available, that is good news for ascending star Justin Jefferson. 

SOURCE: Tom Pelissero on Twitter

Mar 13, 2022, 7:43 PM ET

 

[TheAristocrat]

Cool, another two 8-9 or 9-8 seasons.  Super excited.