The Minnesota Vikings are racing against the clock to secure a deal with quarterback Kirk Cousins. Failure to do so before March 13th would see Cousins hit free agency, and several teams are poised to seize the opportunity.
Among the potential suitors, NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero suggests the Denver Broncos could be in the mix.
Pelissero stated on The Rich Eisen Show that the Broncos are exploring all options at quarterback, including making a push for Cousins if they believe he offers the best chance for success in their challenging division.
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Pelissero notes that Broncos head coach Sean Payton has historically favored experienced quarterbacks over rookies, aside from the COVID-19 season when circumstances forced a temporary change. Despite Russell Wilson’s presence on the roster, recent indications suggest he and Denver are on the brink of parting ways, with Wilson even listing his Cherry Hills home for sale.
However, the potential snag for the Broncos lies in Cousins’ anticipated asking price, likely exceeding $40 million annually. This financial hurdle becomes more complex considering the remaining five years on Wilson’s contract, which would necessitate absorbing a substantial dead cap hit upon his departure.
While managing such significant quarterback expenditures poses a challenge, Payton has a history of investing heavily in starting quarterbacks. Therefore, the Broncos could emerge as contenders for Cousins if he enters free agency.