PFF Makes Prediction for Kirk Cousins’ Next Contract in 2024
Brett Peterson
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The Vikings have some big decisions to make this off-season, with plenty of players hitting free agency.
Brad Spielberger of PFF released his 2024 free agency rankings, and two Vikings have made the top 15 of this list. Near the top, Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins is number two on his list, just behind Kansas City Chiefs defender Chris Jones.
PFF Makes Prediction for Kirk Cousins’ Next Contract
Spielberger had this tidbit to say about Cousins, and his situation for the free agency period:
“An ill-timed torn Achilles derailed another strong season from Cousins, and he looked set to have a host of suitors in free agency, as he did back in 2018. Cousins still has the requisite arm strength to throw to all levels of the field and has been as accurate as ever in recent seasons.“
He then went on to project Cousins’ contract at a two-year, $60M deal with $37.5M in guarantees. It’s a pretty fair deal for a quarterback that doesn’t seem close to declining at his current age. But it is a slight risk to dish out that much money for a 36-year-old coming off a a major injury (torn Achilles).
Keep in mind, though, that the Vikings are already on the hook for $28 million with Cousins regardless of if he plays in Minnesota or not. It’ll be interesting to see if Cousins returns to Minnesota in 2024, and if he does, at what price point will he actually be willing to return for?
The only other Viking that made the list is pass rusher Danielle Hunter, who is having a monster season. Hunter has accumulated 13.5 sacks and is thriving in Brian Flores’ scheme. Take a look at what Spielberger had to say:
“Hunter has been a revelation in new defensive coordinator Brian Flores’ blitz-heavy scheme, though he was just as productive in 2022. He is on pace for another season with 900-plus snaps, 70-plus quarterback pressures and double-digit sacks.“
PFF projects Hunter’s next deal at a three-year, $65M deal with $40M in guarantees. This is a decently rich deal for a soon to be 30 year pass rusher but the Vikings sack leader has shown no sign of slowing down. If the Viking’s front office can get a deal similar to this, it’ll be hard to let Hunter walk.
With both Kirk Cousins and Danielle Hunter hitting free agency in 2024, the Vikings have a big decision on both sides of the football. A lot of questions will be answered this spring once free agency hits. Will the Viking focus on retaining one of the best pass rushers in football? Or are the Vikings desperate to get back to competent quarterback play? We will find out in the next few months.
