The Kirk Cousins sweepstakes has a new player. The Minnesota Vikings were slated to build on their roster and tag quarterback Case Keenum but news broke today that they are letting one of the breakout stars of 2017 test free agency. Keenum was the third starter behind fellow free agents Sam Bradford and Teddy Bridgewater and stepped in with both injured. He played well under offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur and led the Vikings to the NFC Championship. It seemed logical that Keenum had earned another year to prove he wasn’t a fluke. The Vikings decided they’d rather take their over $50 million in cap space and make a run at Cousins.
It’s understandable that the Vikings would want to make a run at Kirk Cousins. They have a great set of skill players in Adam Thielen and Stefon Diggs. They also have an amazing defense. It’s possible they don’t see Case Keenum as a long-term answer and now that Shurmur is gone, it isn’t clear he’d thrive under new offensive coordinator John DeFilippo.
The Vikings may have a ton of money to offer Cousins, although not as much as the Browns or Jets. Cousins would likely pick Minnesota if the price is right because the team is a ready-made contender. That being said, the Vikings also have to pay some of their defensive stars such as Anthony Barr. If the Vikings get Kirk Cousins, it’ll likely come at the cost of their defense. They are better off tagging Case Keenum and seeing what they have but its reasonable to at least see what Cousins is asking for.
Kirk Cousins can begin officially visiting with teams on March 14 with the legal tampering period starting on March 12. He is seeking a massive payday that provides long-term security. He has also been cited as painstakingly going over every roster and determining what the best place for him will be on the field as well. The Vikings would be a great fit for him but they need to decide if he’s worth giving up some pieces on defense to do it.