Kirk Cousins Rumors: Vikings Weren't 'Willing to Go' as Far as Falcons on Contract

The Minnesota Vikings had hopes of retaining Kirk Cousins this offseason, but it appears they weren't willing to match the offer the veteran quarterback received from the Atlanta Falcons.

The Vikings "made Kirk Cousins an offer for more than one year that included guaranteed money in year two," according to The Athletic's Dianna Russini and Alec Lewis. However, Minnesota wasn't "willing to go" as far as Atlanta on a contract.

The Vikings are now "focused on maximizing a flexible future," Russini and Lewis added.

Cousins agreed to a four-year, $180 million contract with the Falcons earlier this week following a six-year career with the Vikings.

The contract includes a $50 million signing bonus and $100 million guaranteed, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.

Atlanta's addition of Cousins gives the franchise an opportunity to contend for a playoff spot after finishing each of the last three seasons with a 7-10 record and having not made the postseason since the 2017 campaign.

Cousins will lead an offense that is highlighted by running back Bijan Robinson, tight end Kyle Pitts and wide receivers Drake London and the newly-signed Darnell Mooney.

As for the Vikings, the franchise appears to be going though a bit of a transitionary period. In addition to Cousins, Minnesota has also seen the departures of Dalvin Cook, Adam Thielen, Za'Darius Smith, Eric Kendricks and Danielle Hunter over the last year.

The franchise enters the 2024 campaign with the newly-signed Sam Darnold expected to take over at quarterback in an offense that includes tight end T.J. Hockenson and wide receivers Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addition.

Minnesota also signed running back Aaron Jones in free agency as a replacement for Alexander Mattison.

Of those players, Darnold is the biggest question mark. He spent the 2023 season as a backup to Brock Purdy with the San Francisco 49ers following an abysmal five seasons between the New York Jets and Carolina Panthers to begin his career.

It's unclear if Darnold will serve as the team's starting quarterback. The Vikings own the No. 11 pick in the 2024 draft and could select a signal-caller to compete with him for the starting job—perhaps Michigan's J.J. McCarthy or Washington's Michael Penix Jr.