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The Vikings have announced a one-year deal in principle for a one-year contract extension for quarterback Kirk Cousins. release includes quotes from CEO Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and Cousins.
“Kirk was one of the first players I called when I joined the Vikings and it was immediately clear how much he cares about this organization and winning,” said Adofo-Menshah. “Playing as a high-level quarterback is essential to building a championship team, and we’re confident Kirk will continue down that path.”
Cousins said: “I am thrilled to be able to play for Kevin. [O’Connell] and couldn’t be more excited about the direction of our team. As soon as we return to the TCO Performance Center next month, we will begin working towards our shared goal of bringing the championship to Vikings fans.”
Many Vikings fans hoped the new regime would bring in a new quarterback. There was talk of a deal and reports of potential interest in Deshawn Watson. In the end, the Vikings and Cousins agreed to put things on hold until 2023, creating a much-needed ceiling cut of almost $14 million, bringing in another $5 million this year and $30 million next year.
If Cousins has a big year in his first year with O’Connell, another extension is possible. For now, the focus is on getting the O’Connell-Cousins partnership on the right foot, especially since the Zimmer-Cousins partnership has been a perpetual mainstay.