It is imperative to re-sign Kirk Cousins.
The Minnesota Vikings finished 13-4 in 2022, including an NFL record 11 victories in one-score games. Following that success, nobody anticipated a typical season in 2023. And they didn’t. Despite Kirk Cousins’ outstanding play, the team had a 0-3 start. However, they went on to win six of their next seven games, even though Cousins had an Achilles tendon tear.
After then, everything collapsed. The team’s inability to win despite Cousins’ multiple substitutes cost them six of their previous seven games. The team is about to embark on an intriguing offseason. It’s unclear if the team would re-sign the 36-year-old Cousins or let him go as he is a free agent.
These are the guys the Vikings need to give top priority to re-sign for the 2024 campaign in light of the impending important decision.
2024 free agents Kirk Cousins (QB) has to be re-signed by the Vikings.
The Minnesota Vikings’ most difficult decision this offseason will be whether to re-sign quarterback Kirk Cousins. Before suffering an Achilles tear that terminated his season, the seasoned quarterback was enjoying an incredible season. Through eight games, he had a 103.5 passer rating and eighteen touchdowns. By the time the 2024 season begins, Cousins will be 36 years old and a free agent this winter.
However, Cousins remains the best quarterback available as a free agency, and teams looking to get a top quarterback but wanting to avoid taking a chance in the NFL Draft will be aggressively pursuing him despite his age and injury history. It’s obvious that the Vikings’ remaining in-house quarterbacks are not the solution going forward after seeing the disaster that was the Minnesota offense in the second half of the season.
Though the Vikings are among the clubs that could try to trade up to the top of the draft to choose Caleb Williams or Drake Maye, will the team take that route with pass catchers Justin Jefferson and T.J. Hockenson still in their prime? Kirk Cousins is the best quarterback available this summer through free agency or the draft, at least in terms of what he can give for the next several seasons. Any other quarterback would be a step down for Minnesota, and the team cannot have that in the NFC North, which is quickly becoming better.
Hunter Danielle (DE)
With standout defensive end Danielle Hunter available in free agency, the Vikings will have to make yet another tough choice. As he approaches his ninth season in the NFL, 29-year-old Hunter doesn’t appear to be slowing down. In 2023, he recorded a career-high 16.5 sacks and led the NFL in tackles for a loss (23.5). In his last four complete seasons, he has been selected to the Pro Bowl.
It makes sense for the organization to sign Hunter back for two or three years because if it lets him go, it will have to spend money on a free-agent pass-rusher.
Osborn, K.J. (WR)
Over the past three seasons, K.J. Osborn has been a reliable third receiver, averaging over 600 yards per season and 15 touchdowns. K.J. Osborn’s re-signing guarantees that the Vikings will have a potent group of pass-catchers in 2024.
Wonnum, D.J. (DE)
D.J. Wonnum, who lined up opposite Danielle Hunter, had his best season to date in 2023, racking up 62 total tackles, 15 QB hits, and eight sacks. Over 60% of Minnesota’s sack total from the previous season, which ranked 20th in the NFL, came from Wonnum and Hunter. The Vikings must re-sign these pair of pass-rushers.
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