The Vikings were a major disappointment in 2020, generating some murmurs that the team could potentially move on Kirk Cousins. Mike Zimmer tried to nip it in the bud about a month ago, and now Minnesota GM Rick Spielman is falling emphatically.
“Kirk Cousins is our quarterback, ”Spielman said, via Chris Tomasson of Pioneer Press. “I know there are a lot of rumors going around, but Kirk Cousins is our quarterback. We feel that he played very well, probably the best he played at that stage last year. Kirk is our quarterback going forward, and I hope he (has) another year on this system. “
Some people connecting points floated the 49ers as a potential landing point due to Cousins’s history with Kyle Shanahan, but this seems extremely unlikely. Cousins signed an extension around that time last year, which ended until the 2022 season. Assuming that Cousins is on the list after March 19, their $ 35 million salary in 2022 will be guaranteed, so they won’t they can just dismiss him after this season if he doesn’t show up.
Spielman also provided an update on pass-rusher Danielle Hunter. There was a report last year that Hunter would seek a negotiation if Minnesota did not adjust his contract, but Spielman said he had heard nothing about a possible negotiation demand.
Hunter, who had 14.5 bags in 2018-2019, did not play last year due to a herniated disc in his neck. Spielman said his rehab is going well, “he looks in great shape,” and this “we predict that he will be here.”
He also said that the team anticipates having a defensive tackle Michael Pierce back on active duty in 2021. Pierce signed a three-year, $ 27 million contract with the team last March, but opted out of the season due to COVID-19.