JJ Reiterates He Wants Kirk Back

I think Cousins could get there if there were a few teams in the negotiation process that see themselves as "contenders" missing a legit QB1. Some teams that "might" fit that criteria are Atlanta, Pittsburgh and Tampa Bay (depending on what they decide with on Mayfield). If the Vikings get into a "bidding war" with one or more of those teams, the price likely jumps to at least $40m AAV and quite possibly north of that...

For reference, here's the price-points the Vikings has historically given Cousins during his 6 years in Minnesota:

2018-2020: 3-yrs, $84m ($28m AAV)
2021-2022: 2-yr, $66m extension ($33m AAV); approx 18% increase over previous contract
2023: 1-yr, $35m extension ($35m AAV); approx 6% increase over previous contract

It's important to note that in each of the extensions Cousins signed on for with Minnesota, they were during offseasons in which he was already under contract for the upcoming season, so the price increases were relatively "moderate" and slightly below "market rate". This offseason is different in that Cousins isn't under contract for 2024 when negotiations will start (presumably at The Combine), so in theory, the starting point could very well be "market rate" which last offseason was Daniel Jones' $40m AAV and only go up from there.

I think Kwesi and the Front Office would sign-up for 1-yr guaranteed at $40m AAV for Cousins for 2024 and move some cap money to future seasons, but I think it's more likely that other teams get involved and go north of $40m AAV with 2+ guaranteed years, which will drive Minnesota off the negotiation table. That's just my general opinion from what we know at this point.