Kirk Cousins has been part of the NFL since 2012. The veteran quarterback was drafted by Washington Redskins (Now Washington Football Team) in the 4th round (102nd overall) of the 2012 NFL Draft. He spent six seasons in the national capital before signing a long-term deal with Minnesota Vikings in 2018.
He signed a three-year contract with a fully guaranteed deal worth $84 million. This was the first time a fully guaranteed deal was agreed in the NFL. He enjoyed two good seasons with the Vikings before penning another two-year extension worth $66 million last year. However, there are rumors claiming the former Michigan State man could be on his way out of Minneapolis in 2022.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
But would it be a mistake for the Vikings to move on from Cousins? Here’s what the stats indicate.
ALSO READ – Former Broncos Player Claims Drew Lock Holds the Key to his Own Success
Will Kirk Cousins bounce back with a strong display in 2021?
Kirk Cousins concluded his 2020 NFL campaign with 4,265 passing yards, 35 passing TDs, and 13 interceptions. He could only lead the Minnesota Vikings to a 7-9 record as they failed to make the NFL playoffs. Minnesota finished third in the NFC North behind the Green Bay Packers and Chicago Bears.
But when you compare Cousins’ numbers to that of 2020 NFL MVP, Aaron Rodgers, the gap is not that big.
In their first 100 career starts players in NFL history with at least 26k pass yds and a 97.0 passer rating:
Kirk Cousins
Aaron RodgersYou like that!? #SKOL pic.twitter.com/bz59Pgk3Jm
— CBS Sports HQ (@CBSSportsHQ) April 4, 2021
A-Rod had a massive season with the Packers last time out in the league. He threw for 4,300+ passing yards with 50+ passing TDs (including playoffs). He has maintained his high standards over the last four years. His performances last year earned him his third NFL MVP title, something that Cousins has never won in his career.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Of course, Rodgers also has a Super Bowl win to his name. Meanwhile, Cousins was a Pro Bowler on two occasions, most recently in 2019. If he can put the demons of 2020 behind then he still has a future in the NFL. But make no mistake, this is indeed a ‘do or die’ season for the Vikings superstar.
ALSO READ – Twitter Reacts as Ndamukong Suh Re-signs for Tampa Bay Buccaneers