Kirk Cousins has long been one of the most underrated quarterbacks in the National Football League.
But his time in the Midwest ran out, and his marriage to the Minnesota Vikings ended after last offseason.
Things might have been a little different had the 35-year-old not ruptured his Achilles during the season, but the signs were evident all season.
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Kirk Cousins, wearing number 8 of the Minnesota Vikings, aims for a pass during the second quarter of a game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on October 15, 2023 in Chicago. (Michael Reeves/Getty Images)
During the offseason, Cousins signed a four-year, $180 million contract with the Atlanta Falcons, with $100 million of that guaranteed. The Vikings had to pay Justin Jefferson, which they did, and they also had the NFL’s top pick (which they used to acquire J.J. McCarthy), so it’s easy to see why Minnesota went ahead.
And Jared Allen is happy with that.
“In the end, that’s what it was going to be. From Kirk’s standpoint, it wasn’t for personal reasons, he just wanted to move on, but you have to look at what the future holds. Even if you get two or three great years out of Kirk, that amount of money doesn’t get you a good draft pick and moves you in the right direction,” Allen said in an interview with Outkick. “Don’t attack me with Dan Dakich.” on tuesday.
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins (No. 8) throws a pass during an NFL game between the Minnesota Vikings and the San Francisco 49ers at U.S. Bank Stadium on October 23, 2023 in Minneapolis. (Nick Wosika/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
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But Allen first mentioned Sam Darnold, who McCarthy will be going up against in training camp, saying the 2018 No. 3 overall pick has “shown signs at times that he can be in the league.”
“I think the coaching staff here made the right decision, investing more in the young guys, investing more in the offensive line, especially now with McCarthy there … I think they did the right thing.”
Allen also said Cousins is not just someone who can get a team out of trouble.
“And at the end of the day, especially from a quarterback standpoint, you’re measured on wins and losses, Super Bowls, playoff wins. That’s why they get the big bucks. … We spent a lot of money on Kirk and he never got close to winning a Super Bowl. He went to the NFC Championship Game with Case Keenum but never got back there again.”
Ironically, the Falcons selected Michael Pennis Jr. with the eighth overall pick, two picks before the Vikings landed the prospect.
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Pennis Jr. (No. 9) looks on behind quarterback Kirk Cousins (No. 18) during an OTA offseason workout at the Atlanta Falcons training facility on May 14, 2024 in Flowery Branch, Georgia. (Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
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Cousins was on track to set career highs in passing yards and touchdowns before the injury.
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