NFL Free Agency: Kirk Cousins, Vikings Reportedly Have Interest In Deal

Kirk Cousins has been rumored to join one of several different NFL teams since becoming a free agent, and now one team has emerged above the rest as a favorite: the Minnesota Vikings.

Kirk Cousins free agency news

The quarterback has spent the first six years of his career with the Washington Redskins, but was recently replaced by former Kansas City Chiefs passer Alex Smith. 

The Washington Post’s Kimberley A. Martin reported that if the Redskins use the franchise tag on Cousins, the 29-year-old QB will file a grievance with the league.

Cousins hopes to be with a true contender squad, and Minnesota proved just that this season. The Vikings went 13-3 and reached the NFC Championship Game, where they lost to the Philadelphia Eagles. Minnesota had the No. 1 defense in the NFL.

Last year’s Vikings starter, Case Keenum, is also set to become a free agent soon, and the team is not expected to franchise-tag him.

Sam Bradford will also be a free agent this offseason, while Teddy Bridgewater’s situation remains uncertain. Bridgewater is due for free agency, but injuries could affect his contract.

Cousins has recorded over 4,000 passing yards and 25 touchdowns in each of the last three seasons.

NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport suggested two more teams could also pursue Cousins as they are actively seeking quarterbacks.

“Then, of course, there’s the Denver Broncos who are also going to be willing to spend big at the quarterback position,” said Rapoport. “And then the New York Jets, who are also looking to do the same. Perhaps the Jets could offer the most money. We’ll see if that’s, in the end, what Cousins chooses.”

PHOTO: LANDOVER, MD – OCTOBER 25: Quarterback Kirk Cousins #8 of the Washington Redskins drops back to pass in the second quarter of a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at FedExField on October 25, 2015 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Matt Hazlett/Getty Images)