PlayerProfiler is home to the very best dynasty rankings and tools in the industry. Our Dynasty Deluxe package includes complete Dynasty Rankings, Rookie Rankings, Trade Analyzer, Draft Planner, Mock Drafts, and more. Check it out. Welcome to PlayerProfiler’s 2024 Free Agency Preview! This year, we’ll be providing you with player-by-player insights as we approach the Free Agency period opening March 13th. In the last edition, we broke down the free agency outlook for Calvin Ridley. We’ll continue this series by examining Kirk Cousins‘ free agency outlook and potential landing spots for the Vikings’ veteran gunslinger.
2023 Review
After an incredible 2022 campaign, and an electric start to the 2023 season, Kirk Cousins suffered a torn achilles that ended his season. Throughout eight games, Cousins displayed peak accuracy and efficiency, while throwing a career high 38.9 (No. 2) pass attempts per game.
Kirk Cousins throwing dimes in the year 2020 pic.twitter.com/mNdZSdTXSG
— Ian Hartitz (@Ihartitz) May 18, 2021
Cousins is perennially underrated, and he proved so once again in a short season. 2023 marked the ninth season of his 12-year career in which he cleared seven Adjusted Yards Per Attempt (generally top-10 among quarterbacks). It also marks his sixth straight season finishing with at least a 70-percent True Completion Percentage. He boasts a career-long resume of effectiveness, and he’s shown no signs of slowing down.
With a historic floor of 18 fantasy points per game, and a high likelihood of running a talent-heavy offense, Kirko Chainz will return to excellence in 2024.
Most Likely Landing Spots
Minnesota Vikings
What else would the Vikings do if they didn’t bring back Cousins? They’re out of play for an upper-tier quarterback prospect and staring down the barrel of a barren free agent class. The only other option other than bringing back Cousins is blowing up the roster and preparing for the tank.
Minnesota has cap space to work with, but only $29 million. If Kirk takes a hometown discount, and the team spends and drafts wisely, then the Vikings have a shot to make some noise in 2024. Should he chase his true market price, the signing would cash-strap the Vikings enough to prevent a deep playoff run.
Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta is in a similar roster situation as the Vikings, but the significant difference is Atlanta’s much stronger defense and their NFC South schedule. With less pieces to spend on, they could offer Kirk a bit more cash.
Cousins would gel well with superstar weapons Drake London, Kyle Pitts, and Bijan Robinson. It would be refreshing to see those talents paired up with a competent quarterback. Atlanta will certainly be pursuing Cousins throughout the free agency period.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Already spending above the salary cap, signing Cousins in Pittsburgh will be a stretch. However, if we’ve learned anything from Mickey Loomis, there’s always a way to stay under the cap. The Steelers are a Kirk Cousins away from being a serious contender in the league. They boast a talented defense with a ferocious pass rush, alongside electric offensive weapons on cheap contracts.
The Steelers offense needs some life. Cousins’ ability to push the ball downfield would give the offense a dimension it hasn’t had since the late (but not final) years of Ben Roethlisberger. The AFC North is a fierce division that’s only getting healthier. The Steelers need to push their chips in on Cousins if they get the chance.
Washington Commanders
Who doesn’t love a reunion? Hear me out on this one, because there aren’t many realistic destinations for Cousins. The Commanders are not ready to compete, and they may not even be ready to throw in a rookie quarterback as their day one starter. They also have so much cap space that it will be tough to spend it all.
It’s unlikely, I’ll admit, but if the market isn’t as hot on Cousins as the veteran would like there may be a chance for him to be a bridge QB on the way to the next Commanders next franchise guy. It would give Cousins a chance to reassert his presence and earn a bigger deal, while getting a knowledgeable veteran to guide their draft pick.
Predicted Landing Spot
Whether it’s the right move for the organization or not, it’s likely the Vikings bring back Cousins for another ride. In my opinion, this guarantees an additional three-plus years of mediocrity. The team simply doesn’t have the money or the capital to retool enough to compete with the league powerhouses. Wild Card berths are great, but they leave you with nothing but mid-to-bottom tier draft capital.
There’s no reports of the Vikings straying from Cousins. There’s no reason to pin anyone else as the leader in the clubhouse until serious reports arise.
Read Matt Babich’s breakdown of the free agent outlook for Baker Mayfield here.
