The 2023 NFL season started with the speculations about Kirk Cousins’ possible move away from the Minnesota Vikings. With the team’s consecutive defeats, his trade rumor was only getting stronger. The quarterback didn’t lose hope amid those discussions, and instead, vowed to finish strong with the franchise this season.
However, destiny didn’t have that plan in store for him as Cousins’ season ended with an ugly injury. Meanwhile, an NFL analyst thinks the signal-caller will not be able to return to his current squad following his recovery from the injury.
Analyst’s bold call on Cousins raises eyebrows
As Cousins has been recovering from his season-ending injury, many fans and analysts speculated that the signal-caller has played his final snap for the Vikings. Prior to the class of free agents in 2024, David Kenyon of Bleacher Report listed the Vikings star as a potential free agent alongside other seven players who are most likely to switch franchises in 2024.
Joshua Dobbs led the Vikings to a win in his debut match in Minnesota by completing 20-of-30 passes for 158 yards along with two touchdowns. Meanwhile, they have rookie Jaren Hall as well on the roster. If both of them manage to prove their caliber in the absence of Cousins, the team might move on from him. Also, the fact that the QB will be 36 years old shortly makes the equation even more complex in his favor.
The Vikings’ complex cap sheet is also another potential reason marked by David behind Cousins’ potential departure in free agency. The team still requires an extension for wide receiver Justin Jefferson as well as pass-rushers Danielle Hunter and Marcus Davenport.
Though the team’s general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah previously said that “every option is still available with Kirk”, the aforementioned issues might trigger them to give a second thought regarding his future in Minnesota.
Did Kirk Cousins tear his ACL?
During the Vikings’ Week 8 win against the Green Packers, Kirk Cousins suffered an injury in the fourth quarter of the match on a third down from the Packers’ 22-yard line after being sacked by defensive tackle Kenny Clark. Following an MRI, the team confirmed that the veteran tore his Achilles and would miss the remainder of the season.
The Vikings star has undergone a successful surgery following the injury to repair his torn Achilles tendon at the beginning of this month at Twin Cities Orthopedics in Eagan, Minnesota. The surgery was conducted by well-known Dr. Chris Coetzee.
With this setback, Kirk Cousins’ season came to an abrupt end with him getting tied for the league’s most touchdown passes (18). He also threw for 2,331 yards, which is the NFC best, along with only five interceptions.
What’s your take on Kirk Cousins’ performance this season? Tell us in the comments.
