Alexander Mattison Sends Vikings Strong Message on Kirk Cousins
The Minnesota Vikings have yet to commit to a path at quarterback, and the situation could remain fluid for the next several weeks.
Minnesota can extend Kirk Cousins now if the franchise so desires and has until mid-March to do so before other teams can begin free-agent negotiations with the QB. Free agency or the NFL draft in late April remain pathways for the Vikings to add a new signal-caller to replace him.
Running back Alexander Mattison spoke with FanSided’s “Stacking The Box” podcast on Thursday, February 8, at Radio Row from the 2024 Super Bowl. During the interview, Mattison made his feelings about Cousins crystal clear.
I just pray that we get Kirk Cousins back because I love that guy,” Mattison said. “I’ve been playing with him since I got in, and he changes the game, for sure.”
Cousins is a four-time Pro Bowl selection and was leading the NFL in passing touchdowns with 18 before he suffered a season-ending Achilles injury in Week 8 last season against the Green Bay Packers.
Kirk Cousins Ready to Talk Extension in Minnesota
Like Mattison, Cousins is also anxious for clarity on his future in Minnesota. The quarterback spoke with Sky Sports NFL on January 30 and said as much.
“Many people who ask, including friends and family, are surprised to learn that the conversations really don’t begin until March,” Cousins said. “I would love to know where I’m going. I would love to get those conversations going now.”
Cousins is currently continuing his Achilles rehabilitation and expects to be fully healthy come training camp, be it with the Vikings or another organization.
“I’m just sitting at home watching the playoffs,” Cousins said. “I don’t have much going on except for rehab, but I really have to wait until the first couple weeks of March to be in those conversations. So that’s what we’re doing. We’re just waiting it out.”
Bringing Cousins Back Likely to Prove Expensive 2-Year Proposition for Vikings
The conundrum the Vikings face with Cousins is a product of his age, 35, and the amount of money/years the team must offer him to keep him in Minneapolis. Spotrac projects Cousins’ value at $118.1 million over a new three-year deal. The QB will play next season at 36 years old.
