The New York Jets might be willing to give Kirk Cousins $60 million in 2018 alone. They might even be willing to hand him a fully guaranteed contract. In no way does that mean the Pro Bowl quarterback will actually sign with the Jets. He’s indicated on more than one occasion that money won’t be the end all in his decision-making process.
It’s in this that the Minnesota Vikings have emerged as clear-cut favorites to land Cousins once free agency opens in about two weeks.
Now, according to Ralph Vacchiano of SNY, the Jets themselves are worried that Cousins is already headed for a marriage with the Vikings.
“Despite their willingness to throw a truckload of money and a heavily front-loaded contract at Cousins in an attempt to lure the free agent franchise quarterback to New York, the Jets are worried he might already be destined to sign with the Vikings instead,” the Jets’ insider notes. “According to a team source, they are aware of the league-wide speculation that Cousins is ticketed for Minnesota and they are taking that threat seriously after some informal, preliminary talks with his camp this week.”
That would be extremely unfortunate for a Jets team that’s clearly looking to improve its situation under center. It would also likely indicate that New York will select a quarterback with the sixth overall pick in next month’s draft.
Any other free agent option would merely act as a placeholder for a younger signal caller. Cousins is the one player at this position on the market capable of being a long-term option.