Ex-Vikings GM: Kirk Cousins to Be Denied of the ‘Aaron Rodgers Treatment’ After Recovering From Achilles Tear

In 2018, under the leadership of Rick Spielman and Mike Zimmer, the Vikings made a significant move by signing Kirk Cousins to a three-year, fully guaranteed deal to lead their team as quarterback. Fast forward six years, and Cousins finds himself once more at the center of attention as the top QB in the free-agent market.

However, this time around, with the current regime led by Kevin O’Connell and Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, there’s reluctance to offer Cousins another contract with full guarantees.

Vikings not sure about signing Cousins again

Rick Spielman, who was fired as the Vikings GM in 2022, spoke to SiriusXM NFL Radio regarding Cousins’ future. “But I don’t know if he will get that full guarantee contract. He may want that. You got a 36-year-old QB. I believe he’s 36 right now… coming out of an Achilles. Then, if Minnesota’s not going to do that, which I don’t believe they will do that, then they’ll go ahead and let him get to the open market and see if anyone will give him a 2 or 3-year fully guaranteed contract.”

Looks like he won’t be getting the “Aaron Rodgers Treatment” after all. Even though he is younger than him. Rodgers’ team, if anything, is really eager to have him back. It will finally come as a relief to Robert Saleh and Co. that they will not have to rely on Zach Wilson in the 2024 season.

So, once Cousins hits free agency, where could he find a new home?

Atlanta or Miami could come calling for Kirk Cousins

No wonder the Falcons keep popping up in talks about Kirk Cousins potentially joining their squad. Their roster is loaded with talent waiting to explode, and adding Cousins could be the spark they need. But here’s the kicker: it’s not just about the skill players. Sure, they’re enticing, but what might really seal the deal for Cousins is Atlanta’s O-line.

They ranked second in pass-blocking efficiency in 2023, boasting an impressive 87.4 rating. That’s music to Cousins’ ears, especially considering his experiences with the Vikings, where the O-line struggled to crack the top 20.

Now, let’s talk numbers. When Cousins has a clean pocket, he’s practically unstoppable. Over the past five seasons, he’s racked up a passer rating of 107.3 in those situations, putting him third among all qualifying QBs. And get this–his PFF passing grade when not under pressure ties with none other than Rodgers for the highest mark in the league during that period. So, yeah, having a solid offensive line like Atlanta’s could be a game-changer for Cousins.

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While Mike McDaniel’s offense in Miami has shown flashes of brilliance, especially early in the seasons, it’s struggled to maintain consistency down the stretch. Naturally, this raised eyebrows about the team’s offensive limitations, with Tua Tagovailoa often in the crosshairs of criticism. How does Tua compare to Cousins? Over the past five seasons, Cousins has excelled, ranking ninth in PFF grade out of 39 quarterbacks. On those throws, Cousins boasts an impressive 118.5 passer rating, placing him fourth among all quarterbacks. In contrast, Tagovailoa lags behind, sitting at 14th in PFF grade with a passer rating of 93.6, placing him 21st among quarterbacks in that zone.

But his final destination for now is pretty unclear.