Vikings Eyeing 2024 NFL Draft As Kirk Cousins’ Future With The Franchise Seems Uncertain

Kirk Cousins has been with the Minnesota Vikings for six years; he led the franchise to playoffs and has become a consistent presence in the Pro Bowl.

After a season of hitting the books, Vikings’ management may be looking to the 2024 Draft as Cousins gets closer to the final years of his career.

The Vikings’ Quarterback

In 2018, Cousins became the Vikings’ QB after six successful years with the Washington Commanders (then Redskins). During his time with the Commanders, he took them to the playoffs and earned his first Pro Bowl placement.

Cousins has generally worked that magic for the Vikings but fell at the wild-card playoffs in 2022. In 2023, the Vikings failed to make the playoffs. Instead, the NFC was dominated by the San Francisco 49ers, who are now heading to the Super Bowl to face off against the Kansas City Chiefs.

In the outright Super Bowl betting markets, the 49ers are the favorite (-133) against the underdog Chiefs (+110) though fan sentiment is split down the middle. Meanwhile, Vikings fans have reason to be hopeful for the 2024 season as the draft approaches.

Cousins’ performance in 2023 was hampered in week eight, where he suffered a torn Achilles tendon during a showdown with the Green Bay Packers.

Put on the injured reserve list, and Cousins missed out on the rest of the season as he recuperated from the common but serious injury.

By all indications, the subsequent surgery was successful, and he’s ready to return to action with the Vikings or as a free agent.

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The Viking’s 2024 Draft

With Cousins being 35 and recently injured, the Vikings QB may be on his way out. Not every player will (or can) play ball until they are 45 like Tom Brady did.

If true, this means the Vikings will be on the market for a new quarterback in the 2024 draft.

That seems to be exactly what’s happening, with reports saying Minnesota wants to get a higher pick of the hopeful athletes. Currently, the Vikings sit at #11, while the top three are predicted to be the Chicago Bears, Washington Commanders, and New England Patriots.

After a quiet season with no playoff placement and losing their starter QB halfway through, the Vikings have reportedly been eyeing this year’s prospects.

Regarding franchises, the Vikings don’t have as much money to throw around compared to the NFL’s consistent winners. If Cousins does return, his asking price may be too high for Minnesota to pay.

In that scenario, the veteran QB will seek another franchise as a free agent while the Vikings’ shiny new QB will train behind Nick Mullens, Joshua Dobbs, and Jaren Hall.

In 2022, the Vikings traded Mullens for a seventh-round pick, which paid off in a late-season game against the Las Vegas Raiders.

The Vikings want to improve their draft privileges, which may require a trade or giving away other picks in a quality-over-quantity approach to the draft.

As summer approaches, time will tell if the Vikings will be approaching the 2024 Draft with the hopes of bagging a high-tier quarterback.