Cousins: I have to 'earn the right' to remain with Vikings
Quarterback Kirk Cousins understands his production next season will ultimately determine whether he finishes his career with the Minnesota Vikings.
"I want to be in Minnesota. That's kind of a no-brainer," Cousins told reporters Wednesday, according to Kevin Patra of NFL.com. "So, hopefully, we can earn the right to do that."
Cousins, 34, is entering the final year of his deal with Minnesota after the two sides were unable to reach an agreement on a contract extension. He's set to earn $10 million in salary and account for a $20.25-million cap hit in 2023, according to Over The Cap.
Although Cousins believes he needs to earn his next deal, general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah doesn't think the veteran has much to prove.
"Kirk doesn't need to show anything to me," Adofo-Mensah said after the draft, according to ESPN's Kevin Seifert. "Kirk has played football at a high level before I got to the Minnesota Vikings. Last year, we won 13 games. I don't know what he would need to prove to me or anybody else."
Despite Cousins' comments, the passer says he wasn't concerned with the club's interest in quarterbacks during last week's draft. Minnesota selected Jaren Hall in the fifth round.
"I think you're always looking at the future," Cousins said, according to The Star Tribune's Ben Goessling. "I'm looking forward to this year and wanting to go out and prove it again."
Additionally, the four-time Pro Bowler insists he's only focusing on the upcoming season, which will be his sixth with the Vikings.
"I think it's healthiest to be present," he said, per Patra. "To be focused on Phase 2, Wednesday, and live right now in the moment. And again, when you do that, you just do it day after day, and you get to next February, and you say, 'Everything will work out.'"
Cousins has posted a 46-33-1 record with Minnesota while recording 20,934 passing yards, 153 throwing touchdowns, and a 100.9 quarterback rating. The Michigan State product led the Vikings to a 13-4 record and the NFC North title last season after throwing for 29 touchdowns and 14 interceptions while completing 65.9% of his passes.
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