Kirk Cousins ready to lower salary demand to stay with Vikings

Approaching his 36th birthday and undergoing rehabilitation for a torn right Achilles tendon, Kirk Cousins has expressed his willingness to accept a slightly reduced salary for a continued tenure with the Minnesota Vikings. Reportedly, Cousins would forgo free agency, opting to stay with the Vikings for the next two seasons if they meet his proposed figure of $90 million through 2025.

Despite the apparent steep asking price, Cousins currently ranks 15th in average salary at $35 million under his existing contract with the Vikings. If he secures another guaranteed contract with a projected cap hit of $45 million in 2024, he would place eighth in the league, positioned between Josh Allen (Bills, $47.1 million cap number in ’24) and Derek Carr (Saints, $35.7 million). Flexibility in managing the salary cap could allow the Vikings to adjust Cousins’ figure for the upcoming season. However, the team faces crucial negotiations for contracts with key players such as wide receiver Justin Jefferson and edge rusher Danielle Hunter.

Cousins emphasized that, in free agency, his primary focus would be on the “structure” rather than the salary, particularly as his contract automatically voids in March. When asked to elaborate on his definition of structure, Cousins stated, “Everything that isn’t the dollars,” emphasizing the need to work through various aspects beyond monetary considerations.

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Among teams potentially seeking a quarterback this offseason, Cousins’ former team, the Washington Commanders, is projected to have the most cap space, nearly $77 million. New England, with an estimated $66 million in cap space, is expected to weigh its options closely, potentially considering top available quarterbacks in the draft with the No. 3 overall pick.

Cousins adopted a non-promotional approach, stating, “I’m not going to try to sell myself.” He acknowledged the league’s demand for quarterbacks and expressed confidence in his recovery from the Achilles injury, emphasizing his status as a pocket passer. While he remains unconcerned about the injury’s impact on his performance in the upcoming season, Cousins acknowledges the subjective nature of others’ perceptions and decisions.