After much rumor and speculation, perhaps the top free agent in upcoming free agency in Kirk Cousins has narrowed his potential landing spots down to two teams: the 13-3 Minnesota Vikings and the 5-11 New York Jets.
Per media reports on Monday, representatives of the former fourth round pick out of Michigan State, informed the Arizona Cardinals and Denver Broncos, two other teams that were rumored to be interested in Cousins, that their client would be going in a different direction.
With his final two choices, it is the NFC title game runner-up Vikings, who have perhaps the most feared defensive line in the NFL, a solid running game that will compliment Cousins short and intermediate passing style and complimentary weapons on the outside such as Pro Bowl tight end Kyle Rudolph and wide receivers Stefan Diggs and Adam Thielen. Minnesota also seems uncertain about their own QB situation in former top overall pick Sam Bradford, journeyman Case Keenum and former late-first round pick Teddy Bridgewater
The other advantage that the Vikings have is that they play indoors, which will mask some of Cousins deep vertical passing weaknesses. While they do not have the most money, they clearly give Cousins the best chance of winning.
On the other hand you have the New York Jets, who have already reportedly offered him an NFL record $60 million guaranteed in what will be a ground-shaking contract for QB’s.
Honestly aside from that, they play in the same division as the always tough Miami Dolphins, up and coming Buffalo Bills and some dude named Tom Brady, widely considered this generations G.O.A.T.
The Jets defense at best is average, and their offense lacks bonafide playmakers other than WR Jermaine Kearse, RB Bilal Powell and TE Austin Seferian-Jenkins that would entice a free agent of Cousins’ caliber to sign on the dotted line. While the jets can offer the advastages of playing in a major media market, marketing opportunities and a chance to really be the guy to claim The big Apple back from Eli Manning and Big Blue, is it worth $60 million and likely finishing second–or third behind the juggernaut Pats.
Bottom line is this: If Cousins wants to win he chooses the Vikings, if he wants to be splashed over over Page Six and be the target of the always-demanding Gang Green Nation, then it’s the Jets.
If the rumors are indeed true that Cousins has already made his final choice, then expect a sudden influx of available QB’s from The North Star State soon enough.