The Vikings Knew Exactly What They Were Doing With Kirk Cousins

When the Minnesota Vikings signed Kirk Cousins to a fully guaranteed contract in 2018, the NFL world was shocked. Critics questioned whether Cousins was worth the deal, citing his lack of playoff success and his reputation as a “good but not great” quarterback. However, the Vikings had a plan, and as the years have unfolded, it’s become clear they knew exactly what they were doing.

As the 2023 season progresses, Cousins’ performance has solidified his role as one of the league’s most reliable quarterbacks, and the Vikings’ calculated gamble on him has paid off. Let’s explore why Minnesota’s decision to invest in Cousins was a masterstroke and how it’s shaping the team’s future.

A Calculated Risk in 2018

In the 2018 offseason, the Vikings were coming off a miraculous run to the NFC Championship Game with Case Keenum at quarterback. Despite the success, the team knew they needed a more consistent and durable option to compete for a Super Bowl. Enter Kirk Cousins.

Why Cousins?

Consistency: Cousins had proven in Washington that he could produce 4,000-yard passing seasons with limited weapons.
Durability: He rarely missed games, a key factor for a franchise looking for stability.
Scheme Fit: Cousins’ skill set—accurate passing, the ability to read defenses, and play-action prowess—fit perfectly with the Vikings’ offensive philosophy.

The Fully Guaranteed Contract

The three-year, $84 million fully guaranteed deal was unprecedented at the time. While risky, it showed that the Vikings were all-in on Cousins as their quarterback. They believed his presence would elevate the team’s offense and provide the stability they had been lacking.

Cousins’ Performance: Meeting Expectations

Since joining the Vikings, Cousins has delivered consistent production. He has been a top-10 quarterback statistically in multiple seasons, with elite passing numbers in yards, touchdowns, and passer rating.

Regular Season Reliability

Accuracy: Cousins consistently ranks among the NFL’s most accurate passers.
Deep Ball: His ability to connect on deep passes has been a game-changer, especially with weapons like Justin Jefferson and Adam Thielen.
Durability: True to form, Cousins has been a constant presence on the field, rarely missing games.

Improved Decision-Making

Early in his career, Cousins was criticized for his tendency to struggle in high-pressure moments. However, under the guidance of head coach Kevin O’Connell and a strong supporting cast, Cousins has improved his decision-making, particularly in clutch situations.

Building Around Cousins

The Vikings didn’t just sign Cousins and hope for the best—they strategically built a roster to maximize his strengths.

Elite Receivers

Justin Jefferson: Drafting Jefferson in 2020 transformed the Vikings’ offense. His chemistry with Cousins has made the duo one of the most feared QB-WR tandems in the league.
Adam Thielen (2018–2022): During Cousins’ early years in Minnesota, Thielen provided a reliable, veteran presence.

Strong Offensive Line

While the Vikings’ offensive line has faced challenges, recent investments in players like Christian Darrisaw have helped protect Cousins better, allowing him more time to execute plays.

Balanced Attack

The presence of talented running backs like Dalvin Cook (now departed) and Alexander Mattison has ensured a balanced offense, keeping defenses guessing and opening up opportunities for Cousins in the passing game.

Playoff Performances and Criticism

Cousins’ career has often been overshadowed by the narrative that he can’t perform in big games. While his playoff record (1–3) isn’t stellar, it’s worth noting that football is a team sport, and many factors contribute to postseason outcomes.

2020 Wild Card Victory

Cousins silenced critics with a clutch overtime win against the New Orleans Saints, throwing the game-winning touchdown pass to Kyle Rudolph.

2023 Outlook

Before his Achilles injury sidelined him, Cousins was having one of the best seasons of his career. He led the Vikings to key victories and kept them competitive despite injuries to key players like Justin Jefferson.

Why the Vikings’ Decision Was the Right One

Looking back, the decision to sign Cousins was a smart one for several reasons:

Consistency in a Volatile Position
The NFL is full of teams struggling to find a reliable quarterback. Cousins has provided the Vikings with stability and elite production at a position that often determines a team’s success.
Elevating the Offense
Cousins has been the engine driving the Vikings’ offense, helping players like Jefferson and Thielen shine. His ability to execute play-action passes and read defenses has been pivotal.
Setting the Market
The fully guaranteed contract was a trailblazer in NFL salary structures. It demonstrated the Vikings’ willingness to bet on their guy and paved the way for other quarterbacks to negotiate similar deals.

The Future with Cousins

As Cousins recovers from his Achilles injury, questions loom about his future with the team. The 2023 season was the final year of his contract, and the Vikings must decide whether to re-sign him or explore other options.

Reasons to Keep Cousins

Proven Production: Cousins has shown he can lead a high-powered offense.
Leadership: His veteran presence would be invaluable for a team with young talent.
Uncertainty in the Draft: Finding a reliable quarterback in the draft is always a gamble.

Potential Departure

If the Vikings choose to move on, they’ll need a solid plan for life after Cousins. Transitioning to a rookie or less experienced quarterback could risk the progress the team has made in recent years.

Conclusion

The Minnesota Vikings knew exactly what they were doing when they signed Kirk Cousins in 2018. While the decision was met with skepticism, it has paid dividends by providing the team with stability, elite production, and a clear direction.

As the team evaluates its next steps, one thing is certain: Cousins has left a lasting impact on the franchise. Whether he returns or moves on, his time in Minnesota will be remembered as a bold and ultimately successful chapter in the Vikings’ pursuit of greatness.