Rumors regarding the potential asking price for Kirk Cousins have begun circulating.

As we approach the commencement of free agency in the National Football League, approximately six weeks away, the Minnesota Vikings face significant speculation, particularly concerning the quarterback position.

A pivotal decision looms for the team as they must determine whether to retain quarterback Kirk Cousins for the 2024 season and beyond. The critical date is March 13, when Cousins’ existing contract expires, making him an unrestricted free agent. To prevent this, the team will need to devise a contract extension that aligns with their current financial considerations.

Charley Walters, a veteran writer for the St. Paul Pioneer Press, has offered some speculative insights on what it might cost to secure Cousins‘ services in his recent column, and the suggested figure is notably substantial.

Current discussions suggest that there’s a considerable buzz around the notion that signing free-agent quarterback Kirk Cousins could require a substantial commitment of $90 million guaranteed for a two-year deal. This speculation arises despite Cousins still being in the process of recovering from Achilles surgery in November. Such a financial demand seems unlikely to be met by the Minnesota Vikings.

While expressing a personal inclination towards having Kirk Cousins remain with the team, the writer emphasizes the potential impracticality of meeting the reported asking price, especially for a 36-year-old quarterback recovering from a significant injury. The suggested figure of $45 million per year, guaranteed, raises doubts about the feasibility of Cousins continuing his tenure with the Minnesota Vikings, potentially marking the end of his time with the team.

However, despite the speculative figures mentioned by Mr. Walters, there is skepticism about the accuracy of such projections. The author suggests that Cousins is likely aware of the altered market dynamics given his current situation. Unlike in 2018 when Cousins was arguably the top quarterback available, the landscape has shifted due to his recent Achilles injury. The market may not be as robust as it once was, even though he might still be one of the better quarterbacks in the upcoming free agency period.

The author acknowledges the onset of the “silly season,” where various reports, rumors, and speculations abound, and advises readers to approach such information with a healthy dose of skepticism. As the situation unfolds, the writer pledges to monitor and report on any developments or rumors surrounding contract negotiations involving the Minnesota Vikings.