Minnesota Vikings: Has Kirk Cousins Embraced That Role?
Dec 30, 2018; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) on the sidelines in the fourth quarter against Chicago Bears at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
In 2012, the Washington Redskins figured they had their QB of the future when they selected Robert Griffin with the 2nd pick in the 2012 NFL Draft. However, little did they know, their real steal would come in the 5th round when they selected QB Kirk Cousins from Michigan State University with the 102nd overall pick in the 5th round.
In his first three seasons, Kirk Cousins would only play in 14 games while starting just nine. The situation in Washington was looking bleak but things were about to change and Cousins was set to make a case that he deserved more than Griffin’s place.
In 2015, Cousins began the season as the official leader of the Redskins. In 16 starts, Cousins would pass for 4166 yards and 29 touchdowns while throwing 11 interceptions. As for his accuracy, Cousins would finish the year with a completion percentage of 69.8. In his first season, much like Griffin’s, he led the Skins to the playoffs where they would lose in the first round but Cousins was just getting warmed up.
Then came the first of heavy straws placed on his back that led to the major damage to his Redskins’ tenure. In 2016, the Skins placed the transition tag on Cousins. Now, that lasted only two days as a new one-year deal was set in place with a promise of a long-term deal later down the road. While being paid like a top-tier QB, Cousins still wasn’t viewed as a leader.
Entering the 2017 season, Cousins was ready to roll. As a starter, he still had under his belt two playoff seasons. Cousins was gaining national attention for his dramatics on the field. Now, all the Redskins had to do was surround him with talent and open up their checkbooks and pay their franchise QB.
That year, Cousins would again put the pressure on the Redskins for a deal. He finished the campaign with 4093 yards and 27 touchdowns. While it was his third straight season of 23+ TD passes, it was also the third straight year his interception total went up. But still, Cousins was doing what he could with what he had. The Skins would finish the season 7-9 and then the real decisions had to be made.
With that said and time ticking away, the Redskins hit Kirk Cousin with the Franchise Tag, yet again. Good for Cousins but this wasn’t getting either parties anywhere. What was the issue with just paying your QB? And why did Cousins keep signing away?
As the contract situation continued to grow into one big mess, the Redskins did the unthinkable. During the offseason, instead of inking a new deal with Cousins, the Skins made a trade for QB Alex Smith. With Cousins still on the roster, that all but set up his departure. Luckily for Cousins, the Minnesota Viking were in dire need of a new starting QB and signed him to a mega 3yr-$84M deal.
Kirk Cousins finally got his money, the Redskins figured they had the leader they wanted and everyone walked away happy. Well, at least for half the season. In Minnesota, Cousins is still trying to quiet his critics, while the Redskins have seen a revolving door at the primary position since Cousins left and Smith went down with an injury.
Mark has been covering Sports and Entertainment for the past six years. His work has been featured on Bleacher Report, ESPN, Fox Sports, Teen Vogue, and many other websites.
